Raise Up: 2024 Gala and Creative Catalyst Awards

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Tuesday, 15 October, 2024

Bryant Park Grill

25 W. 40th St., New York City

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6:00P Cocktail Hour  

7:00P Dinner & Performances

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RSVP by September 30th

Festive Attire

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Co-chaired by Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Melin Tan-Geller, MD, and Lana Turner, ACO's 2024 Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards honor the contributions of visionary leaders who exemplify the organization’s core values of artistry, creativity, community and equity.

This year’s gala embraces a theme of “Raise Up!” as ACO celebrates a trio of musical visionaries: Regina Carter, ‍MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Award recipient and multi-GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist; Hollis King, ‍Emeritus Creative Director and VP, Verve Group; and the BMI Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting creators of American music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions.

Gala supporters will enjoy an evening of original music from leading artists while celebrating ACO’s work to expand the definition of American orchestral music to ensure an inclusive and vibrant future. Guests will start by enjoying cocktail hour on the roof terrace, in view of the iconic New York Public Library. Moving to the Garden for awards, performances and dinner, guests will enjoy a scrumptious meal, sparkling company and one-of-a-kind performances before closing the night with dancing under the stars, all while supporting ACO’s mission. 

Proceeds from the gala will support ACO’s full suite of programs, including EarShot Readings, the invaluable mentorship program for emerging composers to hear their scores rehearsed and performed by top orchestras across the U.S., Canada and Mexico; EarShot CoLABoratory Fellowships, a platform for composers whose work is experimental and/or rooted in musical traditions underrepresented in the orchestral repertoire; and Sonic Spark Lab, programs geared to students from middle school to college-age, that offer musical training and composing instruction to more than 500 students in New York City and Detroit. In addition, ACO has professional audio and video recordings of all New York City-based engagements for its orchestra, including programs at Carnegie Hall and New York-based EarShot Readings.

In the spirit of supporting American composers through ACO's national EarShot composer advancement programs, orchestral performances and educational initiatives, the gala will “Raise Up!” to celebrate new music, new connections and new ideas catalyzed by communal presence.

Showcasing all that American orchestral music can truly be and do, performances include an original composition by Regina Carter, sound sculpting by Apache violinist Laura Ortman, Gospel-inspired music by bass virtuoso Kebra-Seyoun Charles, the infectious collective energy of Harlem Samba, the warm vocal stylings of Claudia Acuña and the smooth tunes of the Sam Bardfeld Band.

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HONOREES

BMI Foundation

Supporting creators of American music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions

Regina Carter

‍MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Award recipient and multi-GRAMMY Award nominated violinist

Hollis King

‍Emeritus Creative Director and VP, Verve Group

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PERFORMANCES & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES BY

Claudia Acuña

Regina Carter

Kebra-Seyoun Charles

Harlem Samba

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GALA CO-CHAIRS

Indira Etwaroo

Melin Tan-Geller

Lana Turner

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GALA HONORARY COMMITTEE

Ralph C. Bumbaca

NYC Market President, TD Bank

Amy Cassello

Artistic Director, BAM 

Shirleena Celestine

Global Lead Inclusive Products & Services Apple Music, Podcast, Beats, Shazam, Video, and Sports

Katie Ferguson

Head of Classical, Platoon

Emil J. Kang

Program Director for Arts and Culture, Mellon Foundation

Samantha Levin

Co-Founder, Ode to Joy

Tito Muñoz

Conductor

Adina Sales

Co-Founder, Ode to Joy

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GALA COMMITTEE

Alberta Arthurs

Derek Bermel* & Andrea Pinto Correia

Atif Bhanjee*

Thomas Brener*

Jane Cavalier*

Scott Dunn* and Robbie Moray

Indira Etwaroo

Lisa Evanson Washburn*

Michael Fehrman* & Andrea Luciano

Corey Field

Marilyn Go* & Richard Dolan

Todd Gordon & Susan Feder

David Geller & Melin Tan-Geller*

Augusta Gross* & Leslie Samuels

Benjamin Hildner*

Jonathan Holland*

Hollis King

Chris* & Libby Lando

Tess Mateo* & Gary Brewster

Annette McEvoy* & Harold Bronheim

Melissa Ngan*

Deborah Sherman*

Karen Slack*

Toyin Spellman-Diaz*

Judith R. Thoyer

Sameera* & Christian Troesch

Geoffroy van Raemdonck*

Melinda Wagner* & James Saporito

André J. Washington*

Frederick Wertheim* & Angelo Chan

Shinian Ye*

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*indicates ACO Board Member

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CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT RAISE UP!

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GALA SUPPORT LEVELS

Visionary $25,000

1. 8 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance with priority table placement; includes placement of two guest artists at your table, if desired  
2. Inside Gala Journal Cover Ad (full color)
3. Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
4. Recognition as an official sponsor of The New Virtuoso: Borders, ACO’s October 30, 2024 concert at Carnegie Hall
5. 8 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: Borders concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
6. One dedicated social media post highlighting your sponsorship of the event

$23,000 of this purchase is tax-deductible

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Icon $10,000

1. 8 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance with preferred table placement; includes placement of two guest artists at your table, if desired  
2. Full-page Gala Journal Ad (B&W)
3. Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
4. Recognition as an official sponsor of The New Virtuoso: Borders, ACO’s October 30, 2024 concert at Carnegie Hall
5. 4 VIP tickets to ACO’s The New Virtuoso: Borders concert at Carnegie Hall, plus invite to exclusive post-show reception
6. One dedicated social media post highlighting your sponsorship of the event

$8,000 of this purchase is tax-deductible

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Maverick $5,000

1. 4 VIP tickets to the dinner & performance, with select table placement, includes placement of one guest artist at your table, if desired    
2. Listing in Gala Journal
3. Logo placement or recognition on all print and digital marketing for the event
4. Invitation to a special ACO insider event

$4,000 of this purchase is tax-deductible

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Muse $1,000

1. 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance with select seating
2. Listing in Gala Journal
3. Invitation to a special ACO insider event

$750 of this purchase is tax-deductible

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Explorer $600

1. 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
2. Listing in Gala Journal

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$350 of this purchase is tax-deductible  

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For Artists and Nonprofit Colleagues $300

1. 1 VIP ticket to the dinner & performance
2. Listing in Gala Journal

Shoot Your (Ear)Shot: Stories and Guidance on Applying to EarShot Readings

Friday, 10/4, 4-5pm ET

Register now! (FREE)

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Featured Speakers: Malachi Brown, Patricia Leonard, Loki Karuna

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‍EarShot Readings are the first systemic program connecting composers with orchestras, providing the unique opportunity to rehearse and interact with large ensembles in a way that many composers never have. This webinar, featuring two previous EarShot Readings participants, will offer insights on the application process and outcomes of this program.

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September 27–28, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)

Jacksonville Symphony

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season,  10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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September 27–28, 2024

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Brittany J. Green, TBD (World Premiere)

Jacksonville Symphony

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

This work was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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September 27, 2024

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Sarah Gibson, to make this mountain taller

Idaho State Civic Symphony

Link: https://iscsymphony.org/24-25-season/

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

to make this mountain taller was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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Part of our EarShot composer advancement program, CoLABoratory Residencies provide artists with a year of generative space with the orchestra to develop ideas that are too big and beautiful for a traditional reading or commissioning model.

With a chamber orchestra of 28 musicians, we are workshopping the following new works:

1. Bass Concerto: Nightlife by Kebra-Seyoun Charles: combining multiple styles and genres, Charles takes forms like the French Baroque Overture and infuses them with modern genres like house music, jazz, and gospel. ACO will present the world premiere of Nightlife at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
2. New Work by Edmar Castañeda that merges jazz traditions with a diverse set of styles and genres featuring himself on the harp

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Location:

The Dimenna Center for Classical Music

New York City, NY

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Ensemble:

American Composers Orchestra

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Ticket Reservations: https://secure.givelively.org/event/american-composers-orchestra/aco-colaboratory-workshop

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July 7, 2024

Aspen Music Festival and School “Festival Orchestra: Hadelich, Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2”

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Wang Lu, Surge

Link: https://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar/aspen-festival-orchestra-2/ 

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

The League and ACO have established two 30-orchestra consortiums, each supporting commissions by six women and nonbinary EarShot alumni. Each composer writes a 6–8 minute orchestral work and develops an educational or community-focused program presented in partnership with each orchestra. In the 2024-25 season, 10 composers have their works performed by 15 orchestras across the U.S.

Surge was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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Event Details

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June 13–14, 2024

EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music

New York City, NY

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LIVESTREAM (click video below)

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Ensemble: American Composers Orchestra

Conductor: Delta David Gier

Mentor Composers:  Marcos Balter, Curtis Stewart, and Niloufar Nourbakhsh.

Featured Artists and Works

‍Malachi Brown: Statements- a journal entry

‍Samuel Torres Frailejón

‍Sofía Scheps: Demografía acústica: % / Acoustic Demography: %

‍Anuj Bhutani: After the Freeze

‍Madeline Merwin: Dirty Ice

‍Eunsung Kim*: Kaleidoscope for Orchestra

Read more about artists & their works on ACO's blog.

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*Participation by Eunsung Kim is made possible through an exchange program between ACO's EarShot and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra’s Composers’ Atelier program. One composer selected through Atelier is featured in ACO's EarShot Readings, while one composer selected through ACO's EarShot Readings will be featured in KNSO's Composers' Atelier program.

Event Details

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June 13, 2024

EarShot Readings: American Composers Orchestra

Neidorff-Karpati Hall, Manhattan School of Music

New York City, NY

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Ensemble: American Composers Orchestra

Conductor: Delta David Gier

Mentor Composers:  Marcos Balter, Curtis Stewart, and Niloufar Nourbakhsh.

Featured Artists and Works

‍Malachi Brown: Statements- a journal entry

‍Samuel Torres Frailejón

‍Sofía Scheps: Demografía acústica: % / Acoustic Demography: %)

‍Anuj Bhutani: After the Freeze

‍Madeline Merwin: Dirty Ice

‍Eunsung Kim*: Kaleidoscope for Orchestra

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Read more about artists & their works on ACO's blog.

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*Participation by Eunsung Kim is made possible through an exchange program between ACO's EarShot and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra’s Composers’ Atelier program. One composer selected through Atelier is featured in ACO's EarShot Readings, while one composer selected through ACO's EarShot Readings will be featured in KNSO's Composers' Atelier program.

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Event Details

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May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024

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Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)

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An American Soldier  

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On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.

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Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

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Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.

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The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.

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Huang Ruo, composer

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David Henry Hwang, librettist

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Carolyn Kuan, conductor

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Chay Yew, director

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm

Event Details

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May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024

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Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)

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An American Soldier  

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On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.

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Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

‍

Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.

‍

The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.

‍

Huang Ruo, composer

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David Henry Hwang, librettist

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Carolyn Kuan, conductor

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Chay Yew, director

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm

Event Details

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May 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2024

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Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)

‍

An American Soldier  

‍

On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.

‍

Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

‍

Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.

‍

The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.

‍

Huang Ruo, composer

‍

David Henry Hwang, librettist

‍

Carolyn Kuan, conductor

‍

Chay Yew, director

Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Performance #1, 3pm

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Performance #2, 7pm

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Performance #3, 7pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Performance #4, 8pm

Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Performance #5, 3pm

Event Details

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May 16–19, 2024

Kennedy Center, “Randall Goosby plays Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto; Thomas Wilkins conducts Elgar’s Enigma Variations”

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission Concert

Anna Clyne, This Moment

National Symphony Orchestra

Thirty orchestras will take part in the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The unprecedented national consortium ensures that new works by women composers, each commissioned by the League, will be infused in orchestra seasons to come, with multiple performances throughout the country. The consortium’s initial six lead orchestra-composer pairings were previously announced, with more than eighty orchestras applying for the additional twenty-four spots.

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program for women composers (formerly the Women Composers Readings and Commissions program) is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Selected composers are previous participants in ACO's EarShot Readings.

This Moment was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

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