The Lee University School of Music has the honor of premiering a brand-new chamber piece by internationally renowned composer Dr. Douglas Hedwig. Hedwig, a nationally acclaimed, award-winning conductor, music journalist, and trumpeter, will be welcomed to Lee’s campus on Friday, Sept. 24, for the premiere performance and a formal meet and greet.

“It’s not often that we have the opportunity to perform or witness the first public performance of an established, award-winning composer’s piece,” said Lee’s Music Resource Coordinator Laud Vaught. “We’re thrilled that Dr. Hedwig has become a friend of the Lee University School of Music and is allowing us the privilege of presenting his new piece.”

The world premiere and “Meet the Composer” event will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Lee’s Pangle Hall in a chamber music and interview format. The premiere of Hedwig’s “New Worlds” for trumpet, piano, and soprano will be performed, as well as his “A Species Stands Beyond,” the song-cycle that made Hedwig a finalist in the 2021 International Composition Award by the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

“This will also be somewhat of a showcase for the more recent and wonderful additions to the School of Music faculty who will be performing.” Vaught noted.

Those performing include Drs. ChoEun Lee, piano, Julianne Olson, soprano, Brian Reichenbach, trumpet, and Vanessa Wei, piano.

Between the two pieces, Hedwig will sit down with Vaught to discuss his career and experience writing “New Worlds.” The floor will then be opened for a Q&A, time permitting.

Following the event, there will be a reception in the School of Business lobby. Hedwig and the faculty musicians will be at the reception to talk with any guests who would like a chance to meet them.

This event is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public.

Following Lee University protocols, masks are required indoors, and distancing is encouraged.

For more information, contact the School of Music at (423) 614-8240 or [email protected].