In this fourth anniversary month of Stephen’s passing, our family is pleased to announce our first commision from the Paulus Fund. Upon the advice of Dominick Argento,( friend, esteemed composer and contributor to the fund), we decided to start our search by first finding a performing group or performer before choosing a composer. The idea behind this process is that once a group or performer commits to the commissioning idea and is also actively involved in the selection of the composer, there is a built-in synergy and commitment for the possibility of multiple future performances of the newly commissioned piece.

The performing group chosen for the first commission from the Paulus Fund is the Cuban American Youth Orchestra (CAYO), a newly formed ensemble consisting of approximately 40 American and 40 Cuban student musicians, all aged 18-24. CAYO, a non-profit cultural exchange program, is the brainchild of Executive Director, Rena Kraut. She explains:

​“The 2019 ‘Juntos en Armonia / Together in Harmony” tour will be an historic collaboration of young Cuban and American musicians, signaling mutual goodwill and a desire to grow a relationship between our two countries. The culmination of an idea that began with the 2015 Minnesota Orchestra tour to Cuba, CAYO is a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy, giving voice to the next generation to create a better world through music.”

The composer chosen is Cuban composer Guido Lopez-Gavilan and the premiere of his 10-12 minute orchestral composition will be conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto in Havana, Cuba during the week of May 20-27, 2019. This commission is also offered as a gift from the U.S to Cuba to honor Havana’s 500th Anniversary.

To find out more about this historic cross-cultural exchange, patron tour, press releases, updates as well as Rena Kraut’s 2017 op-ed in the New York Times, click on hhtp://cayomusic.org/

Greg, Andrew and I want to thank you again for contributing to the Paulus Fund as a way of remembering Stephen. He was dedicated to fostering new music and composers through the American Composers Forum in addition to his long-term service on the Board of Directors of ASCAP. We feel that Stephen would be thrilled to know we are continuing his musical legacy through this exciting first commission as well as future commissions from the Paulus Fund.

Sincerely,
Patty, Greg and Andrew Paulus