Hearing in Color Young Composer Residency

Focused on engaging

emerging composers

The Hearing in Color Young Composer Residency, presented in partnership with La Caccina, nurtures emerging voices whose perspectives are shaping the future of choral music. This residency offers young composers the opportunity to workshop and premiere new works written for La Caccina, Chicago’s premier treble vocal ensemble, while receiving mentorship, community support, and professional development. A central feature of the residency is the Young Composers Forum, a space for dialogue where composers share their creative process, engage with audiences, and reflect on their artistic growth.Together, Hearing in Color and La Caccina create a platform where new music flourishes, amplifying diverse voices and stories through bold, innovative choral artistry.

A young girl with glasses and braids, wearing a red dress, standing in front of a piano with sheet music on it.

WELCOME

ABISOLA TOUKOUROU

2025-26 Young Composer-in-Residence

“This residency has been the most amazing musical experience that I’ve ever had”

Gwen Maramba, 2021-22 Young Composer-in-Residence

PREVIOUS YOUNG COMPOSERS-IN-RESIDENCE

  • A young woman with long dark hair smiling outdoors with greenery and a building in the background.

    Madeline Clara Cheng

    2024-25
    Young Composer-in-Residence

  • A smiling woman with short hair wears glasses and a yellow sweater against a dark background.

    Nyandeng Juag

    2023-24
    Young Composer-in-Residence

  • A young man with dark hair and a mustache, looking up at the camera with a slight smile, wearing a white shirt with small patterns, a blue jacket, and a gold cross necklace.

    Ephraim Champion

    2022-23
    Young Composer-in-Residence

  • A woman with short dark hair smiling outdoors near a body of water with a city skyline in the background.

    Gwen Maramba

    2021-22
    Young Composer-in-Residence

Upcoming Events

Explore what’s ahead with Hearing in Color! From the innovative Young Composers Residency to the bold performances of our resident vocal ensemble, Chroma, our events promise inspiring music and powerful storytelling you won’t want to miss.

The Young Composer Residency is made possible through the support of the Illinois Arts Council, La Caccina, and generous supporters of Hearing in Color. 

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