The Donald Sinclair Sutherland Music Endowment Fund
Through the Sutherland Music Endowment Fund, Bradley Hills has encouraged original works by both student and professional musicians. Established in 1996 in celebration of 25 years of music ministry by Donald Sinclair Sutherland, Director of Music from 1971 to 1999, the Sutherland Endowment Fund’s purpose is “to extend the church’s mission of music in the community and provide musical enrichment for Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church and for the community at large above and beyond the regular program of the church.”
Sponsorship of Student Composition Competitions
The Sutherland Endowment has sponsored several student composition competitions. These competitions are traditionally open to graduate and undergraduate students at accredited schools of music in the United States. Works submitted are for choir, and winning compositions are premiered by the Bradley Hills Chancel Choir. Past winners of this competition include the following:
- Carolyn Pirtle of Kansas State University (2006), Ave Regina Caelorum, for choir and organ; premiered on May 13, 2006
- Dan Forrest of the University of Kansas (2007), All People that on Earth Do Dwell, for choir, organ, and optional congregation; premiered on May 23, 2010
- Ayo Oluranti of the University of Pittsburgh (2009), Magnificat, for choir and organ; premiered on May 23, 2010
- Joshua Bornfield of the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University (2010), Mi Chamocha, for choir and organ; premiered on May 22, 2011
Commissioned Works by Renowned Composers
The Sutherland Endowment has also commissioned several choral works by renowned composers, including the following:
- The Snow Lay on the Ground by David Conte, for choir, harp, and organ; premiered on December 24, 2004
- Paschal Feast by Aaron David Miller for choir, oboe, and organ; premiered on April 4, 2007
- Celestial Fire by Rick Bassett; premiered on May 31, 2009
- Psalm 112 by McNeil Robinson; premiered on May 22, 2011
- Two Pieces for Brass Quintet and Organ by David Conte; premiered February 5, 2011