Bridges: Jazz & Classical Fusion

The Bridges Composition Competition calls on young composers from around the globe to add their creative perspectives to the “bridge” between the Steans Institute’s jazz and classical focuses with new works written for string quartet and jazz combo. Up to three winners are selected annually to receive the David Baker Prize—an award of $2,500 and a week to further develop their music with renowned composer-performers and Steans Jazz co-Artistic Directors pianist Billy Childs, bassist John Clayton, and saxophonist Steve Wilson, as well as the ensemble that is premiering their work this evening.

2026 Bridges Composition Competition Winning Works:

Dagbé – Max Bessesen
Dagbé, which means “to do good” in the Fon-Mahi language, is the name of a cultural institute in Ghana where the composer studied Ewe drumming and dance, a transformative experience that inspired this composition.

Artificial Condition – Ethan Dymit
The composition Artificial Condition was inspired by Martha Wells’s “The Murderbot Diaries” series and its protagonist, a part-machine, part-human construct who develops emotional depth. The piece mirrors the character by starting with a cold, calculating exterior that peels back to reveal intense emotional extremes.

A Saint’s Journey – Jack Lanhardt
A Saint’s Journey represents “sanctification,” the lifelong Catholic process of submitting to God’s will until death, resulting in becoming a saint in Heaven. The music aims to encapsulate and represent the many highs and lows that may occur in this process, ending with the hope of eternal and perfect peace with God.