Peter Bagley Commission for New Works of Art

On April 12, 2008 at a concert featuring the works of renowned American Composer Morten Lauridsen, Voce announced the creation of the Peter Bagley Commission for New Works of Art. The purpose of the commission is to (1) fund the creation of new works of art; and (2) promote and provide recognition to highly gifted aspiring artists. Initially the commission will focus on choral compositions, seeking to build the available repertoire of modern choral works and encouraging choral works reflecting a wide range of cultural influences. As the commission and Voce continue to grow, the commission may be extended to works in other areas of the performing arts

(including, for example, dance and instrumental compositions), and to the funding of performances of commissioned works. Initial funding for the commission was provided by Dr. Bagley himself and by Voce, which intends to contribute proceeds from its concerts to the commission from time to time.

The Bagley Commission is intended to honor Dr. Peter Bagley for his lifetime devotion to working with young musicians to help them realize their full artistic potential. As Professor of Music at The University of Connecticut, his rigorous academic program and exacting standards, combined with his seemingly endless encouragement of and support for talented students, produced some of the finest choral musicians in the United States. Hundreds, if not thousands, of his former students are proud to consider him their mentor and friend. As Special Assistant to the Dean of the School of Fine Arts at The University of Connecticut and as a frequent guest conductor and choral clinician for numerous festivals and all-state choirs throughout the country, Dr. Bagley continues to inspire young musicians everywhere. In order to honor Dr. Bagley and to support him in his lifetime mission of helping young artists realize their ambitions, Voce is proud to announce the creation of The Peter Bagley Commission for New Works of Art.

The first recipient of the commission is Chilean composer Javier Farias Caballero, who has composed a piece to be premiered by Voce and Alturas Duo – an instrumental ensemble specializing in the performance of South American Music – in the fall of 2008. The composition, which draws upon the musical heritage of Chile, epitomizes the Bagley Commission’s goal of broadening the range of cultural influences in the choral repertoire available to American choral ensembles.

If you would like to honor Dr. Bagley with a contribution to the Bagley Commission, you can make a donation online using Paypal or by mailing a contribution to Voce, Inc., 360 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 060105. Please make sure to specify that your gift is for the Peter Bagley Commisson for New Works of Art.

Contributors to the Bagley Commission

• Dr. Peter Bagley
• Thomas F. Cooke II
• Voce, Inc.