Michael Cooke

Yangfan Xu

Yangfan Xu is a Chinese-born, U.S.-based composer renowned for her contemporary classical compositions that weave together her rich Chinese heritage with broad global influences. Born in Lanzhou, China, Xu has garnered recognition for her ability to blend diverse cultural elements into her music, making her a distinctive voice in modern composition.

Educated at some of the world’s leading music institutions, Xu’s journey in music began in high school at the Central Conservatory of Music in China, followed by further studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she received her bachelor’s degree in composition. She then earned her master’s degree from The Juilliard School and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the New England Conservatory of Music.

Her works have been performed by prestigious groups such as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, the New Juilliard Ensemble, and many others. Xu’s composition, “Fantastic Creatures of the Mountains and Seas,” is particularly noted for its premiere at Lincoln Center. Among her accolades are the 2023 Boston New Music Initiative Commission Competition and the 2021 Society for New Music’s Israel/Pellman Award.

Xu’s music often explores themes of multiculturalism, and she has a profound connection with nature and myth, which deeply influences her compositions. Her style is described as vibrant and full of life, often infused with narratives that bridge cultures and connect audiences from diverse backgrounds.

Joseph Klein

Joseph Klein is a distinguished composer renowned for his versatile solo, chamber, and large ensemble works. His compositions span instrumental, vocal, electroacoustic, and intermedia genres, earning acclaim for their “dizzying euphoria” and “confident polyvalence” (NewMusicBox, The Wire). Klein’s music is deeply influenced by fractal geometry, chaos theory, and natural phenomena, often integrating theatrical elements to enhance the musical narrative. Literature also plays a pivotal role in his work, inspiring compositions based on the writings of Franz Kafka, Elias Canetti, Alice Fulton, W.S. Merwin, Milan Kundera, and John Ashbery.

Klein’s innovative approach has garnered international recognition, with his works performed and broadcast worldwide. He has received numerous accolades from prestigious organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, American Music Center, Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, among others. His collaborations feature prominent ensembles and soloists such as the International Contemporary Ensemble, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, cellist Madeleine Shapiro, pianist Redi Llupa, and flutists Helen Bledsoe and Elizabeth McNutt. His recordings are available on labels like Innova, Centaur, Crystal, and Navona.

A dedicated educator, Klein holds a Doctor of Music degree in Composition from Indiana University, a Master of Arts from the University of California at San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. Since 1999, he has been a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of North Texas College of Music, where he also serves as Chair of Composition Studies.

Klein’s research interests include the role of the composer in society, contemporary notational practices, the intersection of science and music, and the work of Frank Zappa. His contributions to music and academia have been showcased at numerous national and international conferences and festivals, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary composition and music education.