Composing in the Wilderness with CORVUS

Come hear the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival's premier new music ensemble, CORVUS, perform the works created by registrants in our 2025 edition of Composing in the Wilderness.

Young composers from all over the world come to study with Stephen Lias, as he leads them through a contemplative process of composition, inspired by a week long journey through the wilds of Denali National Park. Through that process, and inspired by the majesty and greatness of the Alaskan wilderness, composers write for our new music ensemble, CORVUS, to play. 

Scored for violin, flute, clarinet/saxophone, 'cello, and percussion, these professional orchestral players from around the country (many with direct ties to Fairbanks themselves) assemble in Fairbanks for festival to rehearse these nature inspired works for the stage. This culminating performance is impressive and breath-taking for both nature and music lovers alike. Don't miss these premier performances of new works composed just for Festival and inspired by the Alaskan landscape.