Golden Hornet

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Golden Hornet

A 501(c)3 based in Austin, Texas, founded in 1999 by composer-bandleaders Graham Reynolds and Peter Stopchinski.

Golden Hornet is a composer laboratory for the 21st century, REIMAGINING CLASSICAL MUSIC through collaborative creations and adventurous programming with commitments to justice and innovation. Inspired by the collaborative spirit and visceral music of rock bands and the thoughtful and evolving lineage of classical music, Golden Hornet commissions new music, supports young and emerging composers, and presents adventurous work in non-traditional settings.

12/15/2025

⁣A week+ later and Whoop-de-doo 2025 still has us smiling 🎶 swipe to see some photos!!⠀
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Thank you to everyone who came out and made our 4th annual Whoop-de-doo our most successful yet. Together, we raised over $80,000 to support Golden Hornet’s 2026 programs for young composers, creators, and students across Austin — truly incredible.⠀
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We were honored to celebrate our 2025 Whoop Honoree, Robert Rodriguez, and to feature powerful original works by Mia Ansel and Jordyn Broaders from our Young Composers Collective — absolute highlights of the night.⠀
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This event only happens because of an amazing community — our Whoop 2025 committee, board, table buyers, vendors, staff, partners, mentors, and every single supporter who showed up. We’re so grateful.⠀
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As we head into giving season, consider supporting the work year-round 💛⠀
🔗 link in bio ➡️ https://www.goldenhornet.org/donate ⠀⠀
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WHOOP 2025 THANK YOUS 💛⠀
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• Committee: Eugene Sepulveda, Tim League, Chris Tomlinson⠀
• Board (attending): Lilah, Shani, David, Tim⠀
• Table Buyers: Eldona Reynolds (Graham’s mom!), Ron Berry, Clifford Ernst, Robert Matney⠀
• Vendors: Meg / Spoon & Co, Bill Meadows, Natalie George⠀
• Printing Specialist: Travis Smith ⠀
• Staff & Partners: Aida Shirazi, Isaac Fuentes, Luis Eduardo Bellorín, Rachel Dendy, Ella Kopeikin, Adam Cicero, Culturati⠀
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📸 HUGE thanks to for these amazing photos!⠀
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Robert Rodriguez Graham Reynolds Music David Lobel Chris Tomlinson Eugene Sepulveda DJ SHANI Lilah Obregon Wilson Kathryn Blackbird

12/04/2025

⁣This Saturday’s WHOOP-DE-DOO includes performances from 2 amazing composers from our Young Composer Collective 🎉⠀
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WHOOP-DE-DOO!⠀
📍 Baker Center Cafetorium (Hyde Park)⠀⠀⠀
🕖 Saturday, Dec 6, Doors open @ 6:30PM⠀⠀⠀
🎟️ Tickets + tables in link in bio ➡ www.goldenhornet.org/whoopdedoo ⠀
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About Jordyn Broaders piece, “Momentum”⠀
“Momentum” reflects my journey as a first-year composer. It begins slowly, representing the confusion and uncertainty of starting out, and gradually becomes more uplifting as I gain understanding and confidence in my compositional process.⠀
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About Jordyn Broaders:⠀
My name is Jordyn Broaders, I am 17 years old and have been playing flute as my primary instrument for 5 years. I am a senior in high school planning to attend college to study music education.⠀
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About Mia Rose Ansel’s piece, “August”⠀
“August” was written on my grandmother's baby grand piano in Maryland in the month of August, which is characterized by transition and change for me. August marks the end of routines, relationships, and comforts, but also marks the beginning of new opportunities, friendships, and experiences. This piece was written with the idea of change in mind, and as I approach the end of my time in high school, this piece has grown to be even more personal and emotional. I look forward to growing alongside August as I transition to a new phase of my life.⠀
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About Mia Rose Ansel []:⠀
Mia is a 17 year old composer from Austin, TX. As a student leader and youth board representative for Golden Hornet, she has participated in the Young Composers’ Collective for the past five years and is beginning her sixth year in the program. Mia studied classical piano through her childhood and currently writes/performs original songs on guitar and voice. During Covid, she was drawn to the art form of tap dancing, and has been studying tap dance percussion at Tapestry Dance Company since then, performing frequently with the Austin jazz band Scrappeli as a tap dance percussionist. ⠀
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Robert Rodriguez Graham Reynolds Music David Lobel Chris Tomlinson Eugene Sepulveda DJ SHANI Lilah Obregon Wilson Kathryn Blackbird

12/02/2025

Our Whoop-De-Doo is almost here — 4 DAYS until we honor Robert Rodriguez and talk all things creativity, film, and beyond! 🎬🎶⠀⠀
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Robert Rodriguez is a Mexican-American filmmaker known for his independent spirit and DIY approach to cinema, having written, directed, produced, edited, and shot many of his own films. He burst onto the scene with El Mariachi (1992) and went on to direct the Spy Kids franchise, Sin City, Desperado, and From Dusk Till Dawn. Beyond directing, he’s also a talented composer, scoring his own films with unforgettable soundtracks that blend rock, Latin, and electronic elements. 🎵✨⠀⠀
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In recognition of his years of community building and contributions to film, music, and much more in Austin, Golden Hornet is proud to honor Robert Rodriguez as this year’s special honoree 🎉⠀⠀
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Join us for music, film, drinks, and surprises at our fundraiser + gala + party — a night to celebrate creativity and give thanks while supporting Golden Hornet’s mission!⠀⠀
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📍 Baker Center Cafetorium (Hyde Park)⠀⠀
🕖 Saturday, Dec 6, Doors open @ 6:30PM⠀⠀
🎟️ Tickets + tables ➡ www.goldenhornet.org/whoopdedoo ⠀⠀
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Robert Rodriguez Graham Reynolds Music David Lobel Chris Tomlinson Eugene Sepulveda DJ SHANI Lilah Obregon Wilson Kathryn Blackbird

11/21/2025

⁣Our 4th Annual Whoop-De-Doo auction is officially LIVE! ✨⠀
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Amazing items are up for grabs, and every bid supports our 2026 programs.⠀
👉 Tap the link goldenhornet.org/whoopdedoo to bid now!⠀
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Golden Hornet's 4th Annual Whoop-De-Doo!⠀⠀
A Fundraiser + Gala 🎉⠀⠀
📍 Baker Center Cafetorium (Hyde Park)⠀⠀⠀⠀
🕖 Saturday, Dec 6 @ 7PM⠀⠀
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🎟️ Link for tickets + tables ➡ www.goldenhornet.org/whoopdedoo ⠀⠀⠀
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Graham Reynolds Music Robert Rodriguez David Lobel Chris Tomlinson Eugene Sepulveda DJ SHANI Lilah Obregon Wilson Kathryn Blackbird

11/18/2025

👀👀 Dec. 6: Whoop-De-Doo Fundraiser auction item highlights!⠀
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1️⃣ Luxury 5-Night Family Stay in Costa Navarino, Greece⠀
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2️⃣ Five-Day Journey through Rajasthan, India⠀
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🌱 What this will fund next year: ⠀
• Golden Hornet's newest science-based commission, Music for Trees⠀
• Our Young Composer Program⠀
• Horror de Cámara release and Austin premiere — our latest Texas-Mexico cultural exchange, newly premiered in Mexico City⠀
• Cinema Recomposed Season Two⠀
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Golden Hornet's 4th Annual Whoop-De-Doo!⠀
A Fundraiser + Gala 🎉⠀
📍 Baker Center Cafetorium (Hyde Park)⠀⠀⠀
🕖 Saturday, Dec 6 @ 7PM⠀
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🎟️ Link for tickets + tables ➡️ bit.ly/goldenhornet25 ⠀⠀
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Graham Reynolds Music Robert Rodriguez David Lobel Chris Tomlinson Eugene Sepulveda DJ SHANI Lilah Obregon Wilson Kathryn Blackbird

11/13/2025

⁣WHOOP-DE-DOO IS BACK—SATURDAY, DEC. 6 @ 7PM⠀
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✨ Hosted by Tim League⠀⠀
🎵 Live music by Graham Reynolds⠀⠀
🎨 Live printing • Conversation • Drinks & more⠀⠀
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📍 Baker Center Cafetorium (Hyde Park)⠀⠀
🕖 Saturday, Dec 6 @ 7PM⠀⠀
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All proceeds benefit Golden Hornet, supporting composers at every stage of their journey 💛⠀⠀
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🎟️ Tickets + tables ➡️ bit.ly/goldenhornet25 ⠀
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Graham Reynolds Music Robert Rodriguez David Lobel Chris Tomlinson Eugene Sepulveda DJ SHANI Lilah Obregon Wilson Kathryn Blackbird

11/06/2025

⁣🎉 ONE MONTH AWAY! 🎉 Join us Dec 6 for the Whoop-De-Doo Fundraiser — a night of music, film, food & community honoring Robert Rodriguez 🎬🎶⠀
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✨ Hosted by Tim League⠀
🎵 Live music by Graham Reynolds⠀
🎨 Live printing • Conversation • Drinks & more⠀
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📍 Baker Center Cafetorium (Hyde Park)⠀
🕖 Saturday, Dec 6 @ 7PM⠀
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All proceeds benefit Golden Hornet, supporting composers at every stage of their journey 💛⠀
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🎟️ Tickets + tables link ➡️ bit.ly/goldenhornet25⠀
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Chris Tomlinson Eugene Sepulveda DJ SHANI Lilah Obregon Wilson David Lobel Madge Darlington Ben Anderson Keyfitz Kathryn Blackbird

10/17/2025

⁣⁣📢📢 HORROR DE CÁMARA premieres November 8 in Mexico City!⠀⠀
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ES: Nuestra más reciente colaboración en la serie de proyectos entre Texas y México, titulada, Horror de Cámara, se estrenará el próximo 8 de noviembre en la Sala Carlos Chávez del Centro Cultural Universitario de la UNAM. Acompáñenos para una noche de escalofríos junto al ONIX Ensamble, uno de los ensambles de cámara más importantes de América Latina. Se presentarán nuevas composiciones de Jimena Contreras y Graham Reynolds.⠀⠀
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🎟️ Boletos ➡️ https://musica.unam.mx/calendario/evento/55529/ ⠀
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EN: Our latest collaboration in our series of Texas and Mexico commissions, Horror de Cámara, premieres November 8th in Mexico City at the Sala Carlos Chavez Room at UNAM! Join us for a night of chills and thrills with one of Latin America's premier chamber ensembles, Onix Ensamble. New compositions by Jimena Contreras and Graham Reynolds will be premiered.⠀⠀
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🔗 Ticket link here: https://musica.unam.mx/calendario/evento/55529/ ⠀⠀
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10/01/2025

⁣DEC. 6 🎉 SAVE THE DATE for the Whoop-de-doo 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉⠀
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When: Saturday, Dec. 6 @ 7PM⠀
Where: Baker Center Cafetorium [Hyde Park]⠀
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Join us on December 6th at 7:00 PM for a night of music, film, and community honoring filmmaker and composer ROBERT RODRIGUEZ for his years of creativity and community building. ⠀
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Hosted by Tim League. Live printing, experiential installations, film, food and drink, live music by Graham Reynolds, and a conversation with Robert Rodriguez.⠀
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➡️➡️ 100% of proceeds from the evening benefit Golden Hornet in our mission of supporting composers at every level of their development and career.⠀
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⭐ Honoree: ROBERT RODRIGUEZ ⭐⠀
In recognition of his years of community building and contributions to film, music, and much more in Austin, Golden Hornet is proud to honor Robert Rodriguez.⠀
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Tickets and tables are now available at https://bit.ly/goldenhornet25 ⠀
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09/25/2025

⁣ NOW THAT’S A WRAP 🎬 Year 1 of Cinema Recomposed at Fantastic Fest⠀
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We debuted CINEMA RECOMPOSED last weekend and we couldn’t have been happier with the love, support, and MUSIC in the room ❤⠀
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We’d like to give special thanks to ⬇⠀
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The composers & mentors!!⠀
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Fantastic Fest⠀
AGFA ⠀
Golden Hornet staff & crew⠀
and Tim League! ⠀
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To learn more about this brand-new core program, please visit: www.goldenhornet.org/cinemarecomposed ⠀
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🎵 Composers:⠀⠀
Eloise NG ⠀⠀
Alana Reale ⠀⠀
Iggy Rosado ⠀⠀
Kevin Leysath II ⠀⠀
Somesh Yatham ⠀⠀
Riya Kumar ⠀⠀
Fiona Gerhke ⠀⠀
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🎵 Mentors:⠀⠀⠀
Robert Rodriguez ⠀⠀⠀
Kid Koala ⠀⠀⠀
Alexis Marsh ⠀⠀⠀
Chris Tyng .tyng⠀⠀⠀
Carter Burwell⠀⠀⠀
Roger Neill ⠀⠀⠀
Keegan Dewitt ⠀⠀⠀
Penka Schweiger ⠀⠀⠀
Joshua Eustis ⠀⠀⠀
Dario Valderamma ⠀⠀⠀
Jimena Contreras ⠀⠀⠀
Peter Stopschinski ⠀⠀⠀
Graham Reynolds ⠀⠀
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.fest .sound

09/18/2025

⁣CINEMA RECOMPOSED—YEAR ONE: The Work of Max Fleischer⠀
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This Sunday (9/21), seven young composers (ages 17–24) are reimagining silent-era classics with brand-new scores for Cinema Recomposed, a Golden Hornet commission presented in partnership with Tim League (Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Metro Cinema), Max Fleischer Studios, and the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA).⠀
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Golden Hornet is collaborating closely with AGFA—the world’s largest archive dedicated to genre films—to bring this project to life. In partnership with the Max Fleischer estate, they’ve secured the rights to a selection of restored treasures that our composers have re-scored: Mechanical Monsters (1941), Somewhere in Dreamland (1936), Jumping Beans (1922), Koko’s Klock (1927), Koko’s Kink (1928), Popeye the Sailor – Little Swee’ Pea (1936), and Betty Boop’s Ker-Choo (1932). Performed live by Invoke string quartet, this inaugural screening highlights the next generation of film composers.⠀
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🎟️🎟️ Premiere performance: Sunday, Sept 21st at 11:50AM in Theater 9, Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. Ticketing info at www.fantasticfest.com ⠀
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🎵 Composers:⠀
Eloise NG ⠀
Alana Reale ⠀
Iggy Rosado ⠀
Kevin Leysath II ⠀
Somesh Yatham ⠀
Riya Kumar ⠀
Fiona Gerhke ⠀
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🎵 Mentors:⠀⠀
Robert Rodriguez Robert Rodriguez⠀⠀
Kid Koala Kid Koala⠀⠀
Alexis Marsh DYAN⠀⠀
Chris Tyng Christopher Tyng⠀⠀
Carter Burwell⠀⠀
Roger Neill ⠀⠀
Keegan Dewitt ⠀⠀
Penka Schweiger ⠀⠀
Joshua Eustis Telefon Tel Aviv⠀⠀
Dario Valderamma ⠀⠀
Jimena Contreras ⠀⠀
Peter Stopschinski Run Pms⠀⠀
Graham Reynolds Graham Reynolds Music⠀
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Fantastic Fest Invoke

09/16/2025

⁣🎬✨ Meet the mentors of Cinema Recomposed ✨🎶⠀
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We’re beyond grateful to this all-star team — assembled with the help of Tim League and Artistic Director Graham Reynolds — for giving our young composers the unique opportunity to collaborate one-on-one with Hollywood’s finest and bring new scores to life, an experience rarely found in traditional programs.⠀
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Robert Rodriguez ⠀
Kid Koala ⠀
Alexis Marsh ⠀
Chris Tyng .tyng⠀
Carter Burwell⠀
Roger Neill ⠀
Keegan DeWitt ⠀
Penka Schweiger⠀
Joshua Eustis ⠀
Dario Valderamma ⠀
Jimena Contreras ⠀
Peter Stopschinski⠀
Graham Reynolds ⠀
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🎟️🎟️ The inaugural performance takes place Sunday, Sept 21st at 11:50AM in Theater 9 at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar.⠀
Ticketing info: www.fantasticfest.com ⠀
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Fantastic Fest

Address

3908 Avenue B
Austin, TX
78751

Website

https://www.goldenhornet.org/

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