The Catherine M. Urner
Composer Discovery Project
Part of Bakersfield Symphony’s “Growing Our Own” Initiative
Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra debuted its first composer competition for Kern County residents, a component of our “Growing our Own” initiative, to foster and support the arts community of Kern County. The winning pieces will be performed on stage by the BSO.
Catherine M. Urner
Dust Swirls then Speaks (Journey to Hope), is a moving musical journey reminiscent of the dust bowl era written by local composer winner Dr. Doug Davis, who was inspired to write the piece for the 75th anniversary of the publishing of Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Davis is well known locally for his decades-long contribution to music and education in our community, sharing his musical talents with Cal State Bakersfield’s community and beyond as a professor of composition and director of the jazz ensemble. Davis became a household name having led the Bakersfield Jazz Festival for 21 years.
Winner, Dr. Doug Davis
The Composer Discovery Project is made possible by the generosity of the Barbara (Urner) Johnson and Gordon K. Johnson Charitable Trust. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were patrons of the BSO for many decades and wanted to give back to the orchestra that has been such a strong musical presence in the community.
“When our mother followed her passion for genealogy, she began to explore and document the musical career of her Aunt Catherine, a California resident whose compositions were underappreciated during her lifetime.
Naming the contest after Catherine M. Urner will underscore the theme of the struggle for success that has plagued women composers but also others of talent who have been marginalized or not recognized for a variety of reasons.
We feel it would give both our parents great pleasure to know that this recognition will accompany the use of their financial gift to the symphony.”
– Cynthia Johnson-George, Lorin K. Johnson, Douglas E. Johnson