We all have plans for Saturday. For the typical student, these plans include attending the football game, doing some homework and then going to a party.
But sophomore Vince Gover has something else on his agenda: composing a symphony.
Gover, a French horn performance and composition major, was selected recently as this year’s and the first ever William H. Lively SMU Student Composer-in-Residence at the Enviso symphony.
Enviso is not your average orchestra. Formerly the Irving Symphony, Enviso is a professional boutique symphony that pairs visual components with the music.
“We stage the world’s most enduring music in highly original, unique formats,” Enviso President Tracy Boyd said. “We create musical presentations that enhance the auditory experience with additional layers of artistic content.”
According to the program’s namesake Bill Lively, a SMU alumnus and former CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the partnership is meant to recognize young composers and inspire them.
“Each year, [Enviso] will have a music student who wants to be the next Beethoven,” Lively said. “This program will encourage him or her to do that.”
A Maryland native, Gover wants to have a career as a professional composer. So, this experience is invaluable to him.
“Just to have them play one of my pieces is really unbelievable,” Gover said. “I can’t describe the feeling I have about being a resident composer this young.”
Gover’s first composition will be performed Saturday evening at the Irving Arts Center in Enviso’s JFK Commemoration Concert that celebrates the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s inauguration.
The concert will feature the world premiere of Gover’s composition for a full orchestra, “Let Us Begin Anew.”
The title comes from President Kennedy’s inauguration speech and Gover composed the piece to reflect upon Kennedy’s first days as president.
Gover has been composing all of his life.
Last year, one of his pieces was performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Boyd says they chose Gover as the first composer-in-residence because he is on an early path to success.
“We were looking to establish a relationship with a young American composer that was deemed at the very top of the collegiate field,” Boyd said.
Each year, a committee composed of two faculty members of the SMU music faculty, Enviso’s Music Director, Hector Guzman, and an outside member of the music community select the SMU student composer-in-residence.
Gover is grateful for this break-through opportunity.
“I’ve been so immensely fortunate to be at SMU,” he said. “The music department gives students so many opportunities to get our music out there.”
Gover urges all SMU students to come and show their support.
“SMU students should come see Enviso on Saturday not only to support a fellow Mustang, but also to support and gain appreciation for the new, innovative experience that is an Enviso concert,” Gover said.
Lively, who spent 25 years on faculty at SMU, agrees.
“Hearing a symphony orchestra is one of the grandest experiences in a lifetime,” Lively said. “But hearing a student’s composition will be exciting because you’re hearing a budding artist.”
Plus, according to the president of Enviso, the format is appealing to the younger audience.
“Our presentations are more than the standard, traditional symphony experience — we see ourselves as the next generation of symphony orchestra,” Boyd said. “Students are really intrigued by this unique musical product.”
The concert tomorrow begins at 8 p.m. at the Irving Performing Arts Center, 25 minutes from campus. Tickets cost $10 and are available at the box office or online.
