This Thursday May 4th, 2023 at 7:30 pm in Souers Recital Hall, the Miami University Department of Music will host a unique collaboration between the LYNX Project, the Miami University Voice Studios, and the Miami University Composition Studio.

This concert sets the poetry of primarily nonspeaking autistic individuals in new song compositions, similar to LYNX’s Amplify Series. Each song is a creative collaboration between the poets, student composers from Phil Roberts’ seminar class, and vocalists from multiple Miami University voice studios. The authors of the song texts are all volunteers coordinated by Caitleen Kahn and the LYNX Project, from throughout the United States and Canada. The vocalists have also volunteered their talents, and this concert wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance, advice, and coordinating efforts of Miami University voice professor Dr. Alison Acord, who had the original idea for this fantastic collaboration of creative minds and spirits.

LYNX, also known as LYNX Project, is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that amplifies diverse voices through new song commissions, inclusive concerts, and educational programming. Founded in 2015, LYNX was formed to revitalize the genre of art song and share it with new audiences. LYNX is passionate about bringing modern voices and new perspectives into the art song canon. LYNX’s Snapshots of Every Voice concert series features recitals curated by song performers, and highlights the diversity and breadth of song repertoire. Since its founding, LYNX has commissioned more than 40 poets and composers through its Amplify Series. Championing emerging and established artists, LYNX offers meaningful artistic opportunities and fosters deep connections between artists and communities. LYNX is now led by Executive Director Caitleen Kahn and Artistic Director Florence Mak.

Says Alison Acord: “One of the founders of Lynx Project was Megan Moore, a Miami Alumna. Megan sang a set of these songs on a recent Department of Music recital. Lauren Maynus, a current student, had the idea that we should have some of our student composers set some of these texts in a collaboration with LYNX. Great idea and Phil Roberts has been so receptive and supportive!”

In addition to coordinating the student composers from his composition seminar class, Phil Roberts serves as collaborative pianist for the songs.