Fox Cities News

Nicolas Bizub, a 2016 graduate of Lawrence University, has composed a new piece that will be premiered as part of the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music's 150th-anniversary celebrations. The composition, titled "Musica est lux" ("Music is light"), draws inspiration from Lawrence’s Latin motto, “Veritas est lux” (“Truth is light”). Bizub describes his music as “dark, striving, and yearning,” while also moving towards brightness.

“I really wanted to push the piece toward light and I wanted to have it go through some kind of struggle,” Bizub explained. “So, the music on the whole is starting somewhat subdued and getting very bright toward the end.”

The piece was co-commissioned by Lawrence and the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association (WMTA) and will be performed by a faculty ensemble at Harper Hall on October 25th. This performance is part of the WMTA Conference hosted by Lawrence and marks one of many events celebrating the conservatory's milestone.

“For me, music allowed me to really be my full, authentic self,” said Bizub, reflecting on his time at Lawrence. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in composition/music theory and viola performance and also completed a certificate in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Michael Mizrahi, Frank C. Shattuck Professor of Music at Lawrence, invited Bizub to contribute to the anniversary celebration. Bizub aimed to capture both his personal journey and the transformative impact of Lawrence on its students through this composition.

“When I went to Lawrence, I was not out as a gay man, but now I am—I came out at Lawrence,” he shared. “So there's a selfish element of finding one's voice and true identity in the piece, but I try to keep it universal, to also just celebrate the amazing teaching that happens at Lawrence.”

Bizub’s approach involves using standard harmonies with added dissonances for an effect that feels both familiar and new. The composition employs a "Pierrot ensemble," consisting of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, voice, and an alto saxophone instead of percussion.

“I’ve become quite fond of these small chamber ensembles,” said Bizub.

His interest in small ensembles was evident during his doctoral recital at the University of Cincinnati where he presented "Earth Requiem," written for a unique set-up including electronics and solo voices.

This nuanced style began developing during his education at Lawrence. “I was trained as a composer, a performer, a theorist, and a music historian,” said Bizub. He attributes his holistic training at Lawrence as essential for success in his current role as director of growth marketing for the New York Philharmonic.

“I think you start to really uncover at Lawrence ... this full picture of the musical field,” he said. “I work in marketing for the New York Philharmonic; I wouldn't be able to do that job without having gone through all of the musical training that I did.”

Bizub acknowledges individual instruction from professors like Joanne Metcalf and Matthew C. Michelic as instrumental in shaping his identity. He advises current students: “Keep your interests wide and don't be afraid to try out new things.”