After two successful seasons, Madison’s LunART Festival is growing and expanding as it helps women composers reach new audiences.  Founded in 2017 by flutist Iva Ugrčič, the festival centers on a score competition in which early-career composers submit musical works to be judged by a panel.  The winners participate in a master class with a composer-in-residence during the festival, which runs from the 3rd through the 7th of June.  Concerts at venues all over Madison will highlight music by women, culminating in a gala concert featuring the winning works.  This year, Chicago-based composer Stacy Garrop will serve as composer-in-residence.  Music lovers don’t have to wait until June for their LunART fix, though. On March 3rd  Dr.Ugrčič and Mineral Point-based soprano Leslie Damaso shared news with WORT’s Back Porch Serenade about an upcoming preview concert that will take place on March 8th at Damaso’s Button Hill Studio in celebration of International Women’s Day.  In addition to fine music by women, the event will feature poetry readings, art by local artists, and hand-crafted chocolates.  Because of the festival’s popularity, Dr. Ugrčič is looking to expand from a week in June to a more extended series of concerts in the future.

Concert image credit: Iva Ugrčič.  Art image: Leslie Damaso.