Mun Y. Choi, PhD, President | University of Missouri
Mun Y. Choi, PhD, President | University of Missouri
A significant contribution from Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield, Rex Sinquefield, and the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation is set to enhance the University of Missouri's Mizzou New Music Initiative. The $4.6 million gift aims to expand opportunities for students and faculty involved in this program known for fostering innovative musical compositions.
Jeanne Sinquefield, a member of the UM Board of Curators and founder of the initiative, stated her goal: "My goal is to make Missouri a mecca for musical composition." She emphasized that the initiative supports students across various educational levels as well as international composers by backing concerts and recordings.
The donation will further develop the Mizzou New Music Initiative through festivals, competitions, and collaborations that connect emerging composers with performers. Highlighted events include the Creating Original Music Project Festival and the Mizzou International Composers Festival featuring Alarm Will Sound as ensemble-in-residence.
University President Mun Choi expressed gratitude: “We’re incredibly proud of the composers and performers who are shaping the future of music — and deeply grateful to Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield and Mr. Rex Sinquefield for their extraordinary generosity.”
The funding will also allow for new roles such as a production coordinator and an audio engineer to aid in producing concerts and creating professional recordings. Scholarships like the Sinquefield Composition Prize will support more students' artistic pursuits, while a new mixed media studio will encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Stefan Freund, professor of composition at Mizzou, noted: “It’s incredible to have this level of support for students, faculty, guests and resident artists who are dedicated to creating new music.”
Since its start in 2006, over 1,250 original works have been performed under this initiative. Alumni achievements include commissions from prestigious orchestras like St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Freund added that the initiative would continue evolving while maintaining its mission: “Our compositions, performances and ideas will continue to change the way we listen to and think about music.” He credited Jeanne Sinquefield's unwavering support for enabling these advancements.
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