Composing in the Wilderness and CORVUS

The Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival is supported in part, by a grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the NEA America250 program and are thrilled to be celebrating the rich and diverse contributions of Americans across generations and uniquely American art forms.

Young composers from all over the world come to study with Stephen Lias, as he leads them through a contemplative process of composition, inspired by a week long journey through the wilds of Denali National Park. Through that process, and inspired by the majesty and greatness of the Alaskan wilderness, composers write for our new music ensemble, CORVUS, to play.
Scored for violin, flute, clarinet/saxophone, 'cello, and percussion, these professional orchestral players from around the country (many with direct ties to Fairbanks themselves) assemble in Fairbanks for festival to rehearse these nature inspired works for the stage. This culminating performance is impressive and breath-taking for both nature and music lovers alike.