Young Composers Initiative
With leadership from former CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery, the Young Composers Initiative engages youth from across the Chicago region and empowers them to create new pieces of chamber music. With Jessie Montgomery’s mentorship, selected composers will workshop new pieces of chamber music throughout the 2025/26 Season, culminating in a performance by musicians of the Civic Orchestra at Symphony Center on June 12, 2026.
Congratulations to the 2025/26 Young Composers Initiative participants!
Delaney Baeza, The Chicago Academy for the Arts
Todd Rosenberg Photography
C. Iain Blair
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Amber Dong, Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Christopher Mertz, Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Thomas Muñoz, Amundsen High School
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Wren Page, Wheaton North High School
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Previous Young Composers Initiative Participants
Clara Frantzen, 2023/24 & 2024/25 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Marilyn Gans, 2024/25 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Gloria Kravchenko, 2024/25 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Christopher Mertz, 2024/25 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Malik Muhammad, 2022/23, 2023/24 & 2024/25 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Sylvia Pine, 2023/24 & 2024/25 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Angel Alday, 2022/23 & 2023/24 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Jaime García-Añoveros, 2023/24 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Zachary Guo, 2023/24 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Lincoln Gibbs, 2022/23 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Sofia Ruiz Cordero, 2022/23 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Brandon Harper, 2022/23 YCI Participant
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Discover more on Experience CSO
The Young Composers Initiative, a program of the Negaunee Music Institute at the CSO, offers an opportunity for musical ideas to be nurtured, challenged, refined, and ultimately brought to life by professional musicians. The program's June 12 concert is the culmination of months of collaboration and coaching as six student composers, who have been mentored by former Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery, present original chamber works performed by Civic Orchestra of Chicago musicians.
Explore more
Now in its third season, the Young Composers Initiative is one of the many training programs for young musicians offered by the CSO’s Negaunee Music Institute.
Explore more
At the age of 13, violinist Sylvia Pine has already composed dozens of works for chamber ensembles. Her string quartet titled "Pull of Life" will be performed March 17 at Impact: Showcasing Education & Community Engagement at the CSO.
Explore more
Jessie Montgomery has left a profound impression on the orchestra and the city’s cultural scene during her three seasons as the CSO's Mead Composer-in-Residence.
Explore more
Sponsors
The Young Composers Initiative is generously supported by Margo and Mike Oberman.