Michael Cooke

Stephen Main

Stephen Main is a multifaceted composer, conductor, teacher, and film scorer with a deep background in choral and orchestral music. His career began in New York City, where he was introduced to the world of choral music as a choirboy at St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, singing under the renowned organist and choral director Gerre Hancock. This formative experience inspired his lifelong passion for composition and music. Stephen went on to study at Oberlin Conservatory, where he earned a B.Mus. in organ performance, alongside a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Religious Philosophy from the University of Chicago.

Stephen’s compositions are recognized for their emotional depth and intricate harmonies, having won several prestigious awards, including the John Ness Beck Award for outstanding achievement in choral composition and the American Composers Forum carol contest. His work has been hailed by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune as “evocative” and able to “capture mystery,” establishing his presence in both sacred and secular music circles.

Currently serving as the Minister of Music at Piedmont Community Church in the Bay Area, Stephen balances his time between composing, conducting, and performing. His compositions have been performed by choirs and orchestras across the U.S., and his extensive body of work includes film scores. His passion for teaching is equally evident—he is active as an instructor, conductor, organist, and harpist, with recent appearances throughout Northern California, Los Angeles, and the Midwest.

Stephen Main’s musical journey is deeply intertwined with his love for both performance and education. He is known not only for his contributions to choral and orchestral music but also for inspiring future generations of musicians through his teaching and mentorship. Living between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Stephen continues to expand his creative reach, composing for film, conducting major performances, and cultivating a love of music in his students.

Emily Koh

Emily Koh is a Singaporean composer and double bassist known for her innovative approach to microtonality and timbral exploration. Now based in Atlanta, Georgia, she is an Associate Professor of Composition at the University of Georgia, where her work continues to push the boundaries of contemporary music. Her compositions, often described as otherworldly and intricate, focus on the subtle, detailed layers of sound.

Emily holds a Ph.D. in Music Composition and Theory from Brandeis University, along with MM degrees from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University. She also earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore.

Recognized globally, Emily has received numerous awards, including the Copland House Residency Award, the Young Artist Award from Singapore’s National Arts Council, and the Yoshiro Irino Memorial Prize. Her works have been performed internationally by prestigious ensembles such as the Talea Ensemble and Avanti! Chamber Orchestra. Her music has been described as “beautifully eerie” by The New York Times and “subtly spicy” by The Baltimore Sun.

Beyond her academic and creative work, Emily is passionate about collaboration, often working with artists across different disciplines. She has developed custom microtonal instruments like the Microharmonic and the ModμMIDI, allowing composers and performers to explore new musical territories.

Liz Dilnot Johnson

Liz Dilnot Johnson‘s music spans an impressive array of genres, including dance works, films, opera, vocal and orchestral pieces, and intricate chamber music. Her compositions are performed globally, earning her widespread acclaim. Notably, her piece “When A Child Is A Witness – Requiem for Refugees” won the prestigious Ivors Composer Award in 2022 for Community and Participation.

Liz’s innovative spirit is further showcased in her award-winning music video “Can You Hear Me?” which features music from her large-scale cantata “I Stand At The Door.” Her intuition for creating impactful music is highly praised by critics and collaborators alike.

This year, 2024, marks the release of four new albums featuring Liz’s music, highlighting her versatility and profound creativity. From solo cello and piano works to saxophone and basset horn pieces, and a full album of choral music recorded by Ex Cathedra, where she has been composer-in-residence since 2021.

Liz’s journey began in Hampshire, South England, where she grew up by the sea and developed her love for music through the piano and cello. She pursued her passion for composition at Birmingham Conservatoire, eventually earning a PhD under the mentorship of Philip Cashian and Judith Weir.

Living in the picturesque Malvern Hills since 2009, Liz draws inspiration from her surroundings, as reflected in her latest commission from the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, “Borderlands.” Liz’s extensive career includes two decades of teaching at Birmingham Conservatoire, where she nurtured the next generation of composers.

Christopher North

Christopher North is a distinguished American composer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, renowned for his versatile contributions across various forms of media including film, television, theater, and dance. Born in Texas, North’s musical journey is marked by a rich tapestry of influences that span genres and geographies, making him a notable figure in the contemporary music scene.

With a base in Brooklyn, New York, since 1997, North has flourished in a highly competitive environment, becoming known for his ability to blend classical composition techniques with modern musical elements. His work often involves a deep collaboration with visual media, creating scores that enhance and elevate the narrative of films and theatrical performances.

North’s career highlights include composing scores for over 60 films, many of which have been recognized in international film festivals. His work has earned him accolades at venues like Slamdance and DOC NYC, and his compositions have been featured in prestigious events and performed in major venues such as Carnegie Hall. He is also a Grammy-nominated artist, reflecting his excellence in musical composition and production.

Beyond his work in film and studio, Christopher North has made significant contributions to concert music, often blending classical elements with his eclectic musical style. His concert works include a variety of art songs, chamber music, and symphonic pieces that have been performed across significant venues in New York City and beyond.

As an educator, North shares his extensive knowledge and experience by teaching various music courses at Berklee College of Music. His educational role extends beyond the classroom through numerous workshops and seminars, particularly focusing on film scoring and music production.

Christopher North’s dedication to his craft is paralleled by his passion for collaboration, often citing it as a key component of his creative process. His personal life reflects his artistic pursuits; he is deeply involved in various artistic activities, including photography and painting, which complement his musical endeavors.

Overall, Christopher North continues to be a vibrant force in the music industry, constantly seeking new ways to integrate music with other art forms and inspire the next generation of musicians and composers. His work not only enriches the lives of his listeners but also sets a high standard in the fusion of traditional and contemporary music techniques.

Beth Schenck

Beth Schenck is an accomplished saxophonist and composer known for her innovative contributions to contemporary jazz and experimental music. Her artistic journey is marked by a distinctive blend of melodic sensitivity, harmonic complexity, and an innovative spirit that transcends traditional jazz boundaries.

Early Life and Education

Beth Schenck’s musical path began in her formative years, driven by a deep passion for music. She pursued formal education at the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Music degree. Her quest for artistic growth led her to the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where she completed a Master of Fine Arts in Jazz Studies. At CalArts, she honed her skills under the mentorship of renowned musicians, which significantly shaped her musical outlook.

Musical Career

As a versatile performer, Schenck’s saxophone playing is celebrated for its lyrical quality and emotional depth. She has performed widely, both as a solo artist and as a member of various ensembles, captivating audiences with her expressive sound and technical proficiency.

Beth Schenck’s work as a composer is equally noteworthy. Her compositions often explore rich emotional landscapes and intricate narratives, earning acclaim for their originality and impact. She frequently engages in collaborative projects, showcasing her ability to integrate diverse musical influences into a cohesive artistic vision.

Social Stutter

Beth Schenck leads the innovative saxophone quartet Social Stutter, featuring prominent musicians Kasey Knudsen, Phillip Greenlief, and Cory Wright. The group is known for blurring the lines between strictly written chamber music and the expansive realms of free jazz, creating a dynamic and responsive soundscape that evolves with each performance. Social Stutter’s ability to combine structured compositions with improvisational freedom has garnered them recognition in the Bay Area’s vibrant music scene. Their participation in events such as the Outsound New Music Summit has showcased their commitment to pushing musical boundaries and exploring new realms of expression.

Teaching and Mentorship

In addition to her performing career, Beth Schenck is dedicated to music education. She has taught at various institutions, sharing her expertise and inspiring young musicians. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and the importance of developing a unique musical voice.

Recognition and Impact

Beth Schenck has received recognition for her artistic contributions, with her work being praised for its emotional depth and innovative approach. Her influence extends beyond her performances, as she continues to shape the musical landscape through her compositions and educational efforts.

Conclusion

Beth Schenck remains a dynamic and influential figure in contemporary music. Her commitment to artistic exploration and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music have earned her a respected place among today’s leading musicians and composers. As she continues to create and inspire, Beth Schenck’s impact on the world of jazz and beyond is sure to grow.

Phillip Greenlief

Phillip Greenlief, a veritable icon of the Bay Area’s improvisational music scene, stands as a testament to the intertwining of creativity, collaboration, and exploration. As a saxophonist and composer, his work breathes with whispers and wails, weaving a musical tapestry rich with innovation and a deep sense of community.

The roots of his artistic journey are as diverse as the genres he embraces. Inspired by the collaborative ethos of legendary figures like Merce Cunningham, Robert Rauschenberg, and Morton Feldman, Greenlief’s approach is one of shared aesthetic values and mutual trust. These qualities have become his hallmark, evident when he shares the stage with dancers, poets, and fellow musicians, creating moments of beauty unplanned and pure.

Greenlief’s performances are more than shows; they are gatherings of cultures and spirits where spontaneity reigns supreme. His projects, such as the reflective melodies of The Lost Trio and the unrestrained compositions with Animals & Giraffes, showcase a relentless pursuit of the roads less traveled in music. These endeavours exemplify his belief that the most compelling works often arise from a dynamic and responsive creative process.

Phillip met poet and critic Claudia La Rocco during a residency at the Headlands Center for the Arts, sparking a collaboration that thrived on immediate response and raw expression. This partnership culminated in the formation of Animals & Giraffes, where live improvisations provide a sonic backdrop to La Rocco’s real-time poetic creations. Their connection highlights Greenlief’s desire for dialogue with other living artists, breathing life into the words as they unfold.

Yet, despite his influential presence and his significant contributions, Greenlief often opts for the intimate setting over the grand stage, focusing on the quality of interaction rather than the spotlight. His longest-running ensemble, The Lost Trio, features a collective sound that captures conversations not just between musicians but with the audience as well.

Beyond performance, Greenlief’s impact extends through his role as a curator, collaborator, and educator. His label, Evander Music, has been a vessel for the prolific creativity of the 90s and aughts, linking the Bay Area to a global network of improvisational voices. Collaborators like Lisa Mezzacappa celebrate him not only for his artistry but also for his role in fostering a culture of generosity and interconnectedness among artists.

Looking ahead, Greenlief’s creative journey continues to evolve. With a slew of recording projects in the pipeline, including collaborations and solo ventures, he stands poised to steer his music into uncharted territories. As a composer, his devotion to the craft is unwavering, a reminder that the path of an improviser is not one of solitude, but a continuous dance with the world around him.

Phillip Greenlief’s story is one of ceaseless innovation and fearless artistic exploration—a melody that plays on, inviting listeners to discover the endless possibilities within the world of sound.

Alexis Alrich

Alexis Alrich’s musical tapestry is woven with threads of the global soundscape, a blend that started forming when she began composing music at the tender age of eight. Her path led her through the esteemed corridors of the New England Conservatory of Music and the California Institute of the Arts, culminating in a master’s degree in music composition from Mills College under the tutelage of Lou Harrison.

Alrich’s compositions resonate with the rich traditions of Western classical music, yet they dance to the rhythms of minimalism, whisper in the hues of French Impressionism, and echo the percussive patterns of gamelan and Chinese music, all the while keeping a foot firmly planted in the soil of American roots music. Her style is distinctively melodic and tonally vibrant, crafted with lively rhythms and a colorful timbral palette that together weave a compelling musical narrative.

Acclaimed by audiences and lauded by critics, Alrich’s three-movement Marimba Concerto is emblematic of her ability to create a distinctively lyrical world. With a style that is uniquely hers, Alrich has seen her works, including her Marimba Concerto and Bell and Drum Tower, released on Naxos Records, earning praise for their fresh energy and musical richness.

Recognition for her work extends beyond the stage, with numerous grants and commissions underscoring her contribution to the arts. The Upstate California Creative Corps grant and the commission of “Sierra Rhapsody” for pianist Lynn Schugren highlight her recent accolades, with the latter piece premiering to the delight of Grass Valley audiences in September 2023. Her commitment to composing for communities is palpable, as seen in her “Continental Harmony” grant composition, “Maine Suite,” which bridges cultural divides through music.

Nature’s muse sings through Alrich’s work, from the piano-driven “Voice of the Forest” to the string quartet “Canoeing Silver Lake,” reflecting her deep connection to the environment. Her global journey, from San Francisco to Hong Kong and back to California, has infused her music with an eclectic array of cultural inflections, as evidenced by commissions such as “Shadow in the Moon” and “Song of Eternal Regret.”

Alrich’s versatility shines not only in her compositions but also in her performance as a pianist. Her chamber music, including the evocative “Chase Me” for violin duo and the “Water Colors” for a string ensemble, showcases her multifaceted artistry. Her contributions to the Nevada County Composers Cooperative and her featured performances in their concert series reflect her ongoing engagement with the music community.

Published by Alto Publications and Pavane Publishing, Alexis Alrich’s music invites listeners to a world where classical tradition and global musical narratives converge, creating an experience that is both rooted and transcendent.

Rent Romus

Working closely with Heikki Koskinen, Romus was also introduced to Karelian folk music and music by the indigenous Sami people realted through the Finno-Ugric language chain. These influences are woven throughout “The Otherworld Cycle,” and “Manala” where he uses traditional instruments like the kantele (a Finnish stringed instrument) alongside saxophones, flutes, and bells. The themes of the “Other World” in his music refer to a heritage found deep in the subconscious, interpreted from different perspectives through improvisation, traditional music, and composition.

In 2023, the Romus and Koksinen took their latest suite of music “Itkuja” (Lamentation) performing with their Finnish band, Otherworld Ensemble, drawing inspiration from the healing music of laments of the northern regions and elements of life-pulsating jazz. This project, among others, represents Romus’ commitment to celebrating and exploring his cultural heritage, using elements of Finnish pentameter rhythmic folk music interlaced with melodic themes, graphic, and improvisational components expressed in American Jazz.

Rent Romus’ embrace of his Finnish roots in his music is a testament to his versatility as a musician and his commitment to exploring and incorporating diverse cultural influences into his work.