Claire Ritter
Jazz Composer

"Compositional goals include a performance and recording opportunity to present the world premier of Opus 17, Southern Symphonic Suite for Modern Dance, "CASTLES IN THE AIR". The suite was recently composed for a future Modern Dance setting, and was inspired by the classic Arabian Horse and my homestead place in Weddington, North Carolina. I would like to feature this 5 movement suite in a new 2000 CD recording entitled, "CASTLES IN THE AIR", which will also include other recent compositions which I have composed since my return to North Carolina. The grant will be used to hire musicians, provide ample time to rehearse and develop the music, and to perform and record the material in a professional setting."

Claire Ritter received a BA degree from Queens College in Charlotte and studied with jazz great Mary Lou Williams at Duke University. Since, she has worked and studied extensively with composer Ran Blake at New England Conservatory in Boston, and taught on the faculty. Her compositions have been performed and recorded in US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, and represent an artistic quality which weaves a unique blend of classical-jazz styles into one of distinction.

Claire Ritter now teaches and composes in Charlotte and is artistic director of "JAZZart: Composers and Performers Concert" at Queens College. CD recordings can be purchased or ordered thru Borders, Tower Records, Record Exchange, or NorthCounty Distributors in Redwood, New York.

Return to the NC Artist Grant
Award Recipients for 1999-2000