For more than 15 years, YMF AND BMI have collaborated in presenting premieres
of works by BMI composers. The BMI Composer-In-Residence is a two-year position for an established
BMI film and television composer to build a relationship with the Debut Orchestra and the Los Angeles
community in presenting new works and developing appreciation of new music. Since 2001, Michael Kamen, David Newman and John Ottman have filled the role, with the orchestra presenting premiere performances of
their works at University of Southern California, Pepperdine University, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. YMF is grateful to all three composers for their contributions, especially Mr. Ottman, who formed the YMF Scholarship Fund for Diversity, a program designed to reward underserved, minority students with free private lessons and chamber music coaching.
In 2007, BMI film & television composer Laura Karpman was invited to assume the position of Composer-In-Residence thru the 2008-09 concert season. Ms. Karpman recently scored the Breakup and the ABC television event, Masters of Science Fiction, along with composing several prolific classical works for artists including soprano Jessye Norman and percussionist Evelyn Glennie.
The Debut Orchestra will perform a world premiere by Laura Karpman on February 15th, 2009.