West LA Times

The UCLA Library has announced the recipients of the 2025 Hugo and Christine Davise Fund for Contemporary Music grants. Nine music projects from faculty and students will receive funding ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. These projects were chosen for their potential contributions to contemporary music.

The selected initiatives include a variety of creative endeavors such as new compositions, participatory events, and a podcasting service for UCLA alumni. Notably, some projects aim to reimagine traditional roles within musical performances or explore themes like breath in music and the impact of disabilities on musicians' work.

Among the funded projects is a world premiere of three dance movements inspired by Bach’s works, spearheaded by UCLA faculty member Movses Pogossian. Another project led by Nina Eidsheim focuses on developing a new music theory termed "pussy listening."

Catherine Gregory's project titled "Just Breathe" will explore breath's essential nature in music through newly commissioned works. Meanwhile, Jordan Hugh Sam is leading an intercollegiate collaboration honoring composer Undine Smith Moore with choral ensembles from UCLA and Virginia State University.

A podcast initiative led by Alec Norkey aims to highlight the achievements of UCLA alumni composers from underrepresented communities. Joung-A Monica Yum’s project supports Yoni Fogelman’s contemporary oratorio reimagining Hanukkah stories.

Additional funded efforts include a concert organized by Jenny Olivia Johnson that addresses trauma and disability in arts through contemporary music performances. Emma Breen's "Project Nimbus" commissions Matias Ambrogi-Torres to compose for brass quintet in tribute to cinematic scores.

Lastly, Gloria Cheng will organize a performance featuring Pierre Boulez’s work as part of uclaFLUX coursework.

The selection committee included Ciara Brewer, Jamie Hazlitt, and Matthew Vest. The Davise Fund also plans future funding opportunities such as Resonate: An Open Access Call for Scores Series set for spring 2026.

For further details about the Walter H. Rubsamen Music Library, more information can be found online.