This summer, undergraduate Edward Lu ’26, a music composition major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), was deeply engaged in research, working with music ensembles and experiencing the premieres of two of his original compositions.
Lu says his music composition research this summer has provided him with some of the most artistically fulfilling experiences in his career. He attended the Connecticut Summerfest and the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival at the Juilliard School as a part of their Emerging Composers Program.
“Both of these festivals were incredible, and they each provided a diverse array of insights into the business of composition and chamber music,” Lu says.
He traveled to Connecticut in June for a week of lectures, presentations, rehearsals, concerts, and recording sessions. “I was paired with ~Nois, a saxophone quartet based in Chicago, who were an absolute joy to work with,” Lu says. “They premiered my piece, ‘Leaf Litter,’ and we also shot a separate professional video/audio recording with the Kinsmen Sound Studio. I loved how much creative liberty I was given during this process, and how much they valued my artistic input. Additionally, I enjoyed getting to know the other ensembles-in-residence.”
In July, Lu spent 10 days in New York City, attending lectures and masterclasses with Imani Winds and the composer-in-residence, Jessica Meyer, as well as other visiting composition faculty. “I was paired with Nimbus Winds, a student wind quintet, and we spent the week rehearsing and workshopping my piece ‘Cloud Shapes,’ which was premiered at Juilliard’s Morse Recital Hall on Aug. 3.” He also had the opportunity to present “Leaf Litter” in a masterclass and share his work from Connecticut Summerfest, bringing his summer research full circle.
“At both festivals, I met a lot of amazing people and built lasting and meaningful relationships while learning important skills such as outreach and finding my musical voice and message,” Lu says. “Additionally, I now have two new pieces and recordings to add to my portfolio. Most importantly, I’ve made colleagues and friends in the field of chamber music that will last my entire lifetime. I’m eternally grateful to the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE) for making these experiences possible for me.”
Lu is among the more than 250 students who have actively participated in research this summer—both in-person and remotely—through initiatives of SOURCE and other programs. Lu’s faculty mentor is Nicolas Scherzinger, associate professor and chair of music composition, theory, and history in VPA’s Setnor School of Music.