Violinist and Managing Director Ertan Torgul said they’re celebrating 30 years with the 30x30x30 Project, which is 30 years, 30 composers and 30 compositions.
SAN ANTONIO — A showcase of talent is happening this weekend and it is bringing composers from all over the country to San Antonio. It is all part of the SOLI Chamber Ensemble, which is celebrating 30 years. As the SOLI Chamber Ensemble states on their page, they pride themselves on giving a voice to 20th and 21st-century contemporary chamber music.
Violinist and Managing Director Ertan Torgul said they’re celebrating 30 years with the 30x30x30 Project, which is 30 years, 30 composers and 30 compositions.
“One of the amazing things about the 30 years is we have this wealth of knowledge to run showcases like this and help out young composers,” he said.
The SOLI Chamber Ensemble did a national call for recently composed scores created by early-career composers. Torgul said they received nearly 300 entries.
He said a team listened to all pieces and blindly selected the top winners. He said three of them have ties to San Antonio, which include Edna Longoria, Conner Simmons, and Yeonsuk Jung.
“I am very excited to meet people who are interested in listening to my music,” Jung said.
Jung is home sweet home. His piece was selected and will be featured at this weekend’s showcase. As a teen he moved to San Antonio and grew up here. He still has family that live in the city.
“When people ask me, where I am from I tell them San Antonio, because that is where I had the most identity for me,” he said.
Even at a young age, he was part of the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio. He is currently getting his master’s degree at Bowling Green State University. As for being selected and coming back, Jung and Torgul said it is truly a full circle moment.
“I love all the musical teachers that I have had here that really shaped me to be who I am today,” Jung said.
He credits people like Darian Thomas and Troy Peters for being a part of his journey. Jung’s composition, that was selected, was influenced by San Antonio performers, the Camerata San Antonio. It is titled: ‘Water Skeeter Unraveling’
“It says a lot about San Antonio and how they were nurtured by the musical community in San Antonio,” Torgul said. “We have a lot of talent here and a lot of potential here.”
As for this showcase, this weekend eight composers will be in San Antonio. It is being held at the Ruth Taylor Recital Hall at Trinity University. Four composers will be featured on Saturday and four on Sunday. The public is invited to attend as the pieces from the composers will be performed.
For a full schedule, click here.