A Musical ‘Dream’
Ohio Wesleyan student Lauren Spavelko ’11 played a recording of her composition, ‘Dream Tapestry,’ for renowned American composer Joseph Schwantner during his recent visit to campus while in residency with the Central Ohio Symphony.
It’s been a very eventful year in the creative growth of OWU student composer Lauren Spavelko. Last fall, the junior from Pickerington, Ohio, wrote a composition, “Dream Tapestry,” that was premiered and performed by OWU students during the OWU/NOW Voices of Tomorrow concert in February.
On another high note, Spavelko recently learned that she has received third place and a $300 award in the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Student/Collegiate Composers Contest for the composition.
Spavelko composed “Dream Tapestry” while studying in the fall with Jason Bahr, D.M., assistant professor of composition, music theory, and electronic music.
Her poem “Dream Tapestry” is the inspiration for the musical composition of the same name. Both are inspired by the image of a woven tapestry that fades and brightens as various dreams evolve and interweave.
“Initially, the dreams are young, joyful, and vivacious,” Spavelko says. “As they are forgotten or destroyed, the dreams become panicked and distraught, and they begin to fade. Finally, they are slowly rebuilt and emerge triumphant; they are changed from the experience, but they are alive and spirited once more.
“Currently, I am working on short piano pieces which play off of children’s tunes,” she continues. “I am also working on a violin duet inspired by a friend.”
In her spare time, she likes to spend time with friends, watch sitcoms and movies, paint, read novels, and write.
Spavelko is majoring in music education and plans to teach or attend graduate school. Eventually, she would like to operate a private studio and teach voice, piano, and violin.