About the Piece

Hear Vanessa's Other Music

Instrumentation:

Woodwind Quintet & Narrator

Exclusionary Period: * if 100% goal is reached.

1 year starting on Delivery date. (May 15, 2025 - May 15, 2026)

Project Description:

New Works Project is thrilled to collaborate with Wild Prairie Winds and Overall Buddies to bring a brand-new, engaging musical story to life! Together, we are commissioning composer Vanessa Hudson to transform Lori Lynn Ahrends’ beloved children's book, I’m a Pig, into a vibrant work for woodwind quintet and narrator.

Designed as a companion piece to Peter and the Wolf, this composition will introduce young audiences to the world of classical music through an imaginative and playful lens. Just as Prokofiev’s timeless tale uses distinct musical themes to represent its characters, I’m a Pig will bring the book’s charming, curiosity-filled protagonist to life with colorful woodwind textures and engaging narration.

This project blends music, storytelling, and education, offering a fresh and accessible way for children to experience the magic of live performance. With its delightful themes of self-discovery and joy, I’m a Pig is sure to become a favorite for young listeners and families everywhere.

Project Budget:

Composer Fee - $2,000

Author Stipend - $500

First Edition Printing Allotment - $250

NWP Overhead - $750

About the Composer & Wild Prairie Winds

Visit Vanessa's Website

Composer Bio:

Vanessa E. Hudson is a composer originally from Manchester, CT. As a composer, Vanessa has explored the use of various instrumentations, including solo flute and mixed chamber music. She has developed a passion for writing vocal music, and has written multiple art songs and a chamber opera. Her music is emotive and lyrical, and blends classical romanticism and modern sound worlds.

Vanessa is a multi-instrumentalist; she plays violin and piano and has sung tenor in multiple choirs. In high school, she played in the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. During her participation in MSOC, she participated in two performances of Mozart’s Requiem under the batons of Edward Tyler and Carolina Flores.

During her studies at the Boston University School of Music, she began taking piano lessons and learned several works of Chopin, as well as Mozart, Schubert, Satie, Grieg, Bartok, and others. In addition, she has been a member of Chorus pro Musica, the Boston University Symphonic Chorus, and BU Singers. In CpM, she performed with Andrea Bocelli at TD Garden during his “Bocelli Family Christmas” tour, as well as with Benjamin Zander and the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra in two performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall. In BU Singers, she performed with the American Spiritual Ensemble and several Boston area choruses.

As a recent college graduate, she is interested in continuing to grow as a composer while pursuing graduate study in higher education administration.

Visit the Wild Prairie Winds Website

Wild Prairie Winds Bio:

Praised as “new and exciting” by The Daily Iowan, the award-winning Wild Prairie Winds promote accessible chamber music through community outreach, education, imaginative programming, and creative concert settings. In an effort to be as accessible as possible to audiences, the quintet performs in libraries, city centers, public parks, schools, nursing homes, and local theaters. Their newest venture, the Iowa Great Lakes Summer Chamber Music Festival, brings music to public venues in the Okoboji, Iowa area.

As advocates for chamber music education, the Wild Prairie Winds incorporate innovative clinics and outreach into their residencies. Most recently, they presented public school performances and instrumental masterclasses in Quincy, Illinois and Leavenworth, Washington. In 2021, they created a High School Honor Wind Quintet, which gave five outstanding young Des Moines musicians the opportunity to perform alongside the Wild Prairie Winds.

The Wild Prairie Winds were awarded First Prize in the Professional Division of the 2020 Gates of Hope International Chamber Competition and the 2024 Kings Peak International Music Competition. They have appeared as guest artists at the University of Arkansas, Truman State University, St. Ambrose University, Western Illinois University, Cottey College, and the Conference of the International Double Reed Society. The Wild Prairie Winds is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

How to Participate

Thank you for supporting the creation of new music through New Works Project! Here's how you can join this exciting journey:

For questions or assistance, please reach out to us at info@newworksproject.org.

"I'm a Pig" in Collaboration with Overall Buddies & Wild Prairie Winds by Vanessa Hudson

Woodwind Quintet with Narrator

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