The Catherine M. Urner
Composer Discovery Project
Bakersfield Symphony’s “Growing Our Own” Initiative
The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra proudly launched its first composer competition exclusively for Kern County residents in 2023—a key element of our “Growing Our Own” initiative. This project is dedicated to fostering and supporting the region’s vibrant arts community. The winning compositions will be brought to life on stage by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.
Catherine M. Urner
“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
Are you a composer, or do you know someone with a passion for writing music?
Submissions will open soon! This is your chance to share your work with the community and have it brought to life by a world-class symphony.
🔹 Who can apply? Kern County residents of all backgrounds and experience levels
🔹 What’s at stake? The winning compositions will be performed on stage by the BSO
🔹 How to submit? Applications opening soon
Questions? Reach out to us at info@bsonow.org.
Dust Swirls then Speaks (Journey to Hope), is a moving musical journey reminiscent of the dust bowl era. It was 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 through the generosity of the Barbara (Urner) Johnson and Gordon K. Johnson Charitable Trust. Longtime BSO patrons, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson deeply valued the orchestra’s role in the community and sought to give back to the music they loved.