Composer Feature: Libby Meyer
Check out this week’s feature on Michigan-based composer and professor Libby Meyer!
Libby Meyer is a composer whose work “reflects the natural rhythms and patterns of the world around her.” Her music has been enjoyed by audiences across the United States, Europe and Australia. She has also held composer residencies at Isle Royale National Park, Visby International Center for Composers, and the Bunnell Street Arts Center. In addition, Libby has received numerous awards for her pieces from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The American Composers Foundation, and more.
“Libby Meyer is a composer whose work reflects the natural rhythms and patterns of the world around her.”
As a landscape composer, Libby co-founded the Keweenaw Soundscape Project, which aims to document the natural sounds of the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan. Libby is also a member of the Landscape Music Network, an organization of composers and musicians who have created works dedicated to aspects of the natural world.
Libby shared a piece with us entitled ‘From a Place of Listening’ and is a trio for violin, saxophone and percussion that takes inspiration from the work of agroecologist Krista Isaacs with women in Uttar Pradesh, India. Uttar Pradesh has some of the highest rates of violence against women in the country and Dr. Issacs has worked to empower these women by providing education and training in important agricultural skills. Each section of the piece marks a period in the transformation of these women’s lives as a result of Dr. Issacs’ work.
Looking towards the future, Libby was commissioned by Isle Royale National park to write an orchestral work celebrating the park’s 85th anniversary. Her piece The land that speaks when we’ve ears to listen will be premiered by the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra in February 2025. Congratulations!
Juventas is excited to perform Libby’s piece Wild Beauty on our season opener Studio to Stage!
