Alexandra Gardner (MM ’97, Composition) has been commissioned by the Seattle Symphony for a new work for orchestra on the subscription series. This season Ms. Gardner will be working with LGBTQ youth who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness, as part of the Seattle Symphony’s Simple Gifts initiative. Additionally, she will be the Merriman Family Young Composers Workshop director and lead 10 students in a 12-week program that culminates in a performance of world premieres.