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Nolan Stolz is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on December 22, 1979, in the United States. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a music educator. Stolz began playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and trumpet performance. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from the University of Miami. Stolz's compositions are known for their eclectic style, blending elements of classical, jazz, and popular music. He has written works for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber groups, and solo instruments. Some of his most notable works include "Concerto for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble," "Symphony No. 1," and "The Passion of St. Thomas More." One of Stolz's earliest compositions is his "Concerto for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble," which he wrote while studying at the University of Michigan. The piece was premiered by the University of Michigan Symphony Band in 2001 and has since been performed by numerous ensembles around the world. The concerto showcases Stolz's virtuosic trumpet writing and his ability to blend jazz and classical styles. Stolz's "Symphony No. 1" was commissioned by the University of Texas at Austin Wind Ensemble and premiered in 2006. The piece is a three-movement work that explores themes of nature and the environment. The first movement, "The Wind," features swirling, gusting motifs that evoke the power of the natural world. The second movement, "The Water," is a serene and contemplative piece that reflects the calmness of a still lake. The final movement, "The Earth," is a rhythmic and energetic piece that celebrates the vitality of the planet. In 2012, Stolz wrote "The Passion of St. Thomas More," a choral work that tells the story of the English lawyer and statesman who was executed for refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England. The piece features a libretto by playwright Peter Bloedel and was premiered by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Concert Choir. The work is notable for its dramatic and emotional intensity, as well as its use of choral and orchestral textures. Stolz's music has been performed by a variety of ensembles, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the United States Air Force Band, and the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra. He has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the National Band Association Young Composer Award. In addition to his work as a composer, Stolz is also an active educator and conductor. He has taught at a number of universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Miami. He has also conducted a variety of ensembles, including the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Symphony Orchestra. Overall, Nolan Stolz is a talented and versatile composer whose works showcase his ability to blend a variety of musical styles and genres. His music is characterized by its emotional intensity, virtuosic instrumental writing, and innovative use of orchestral and choral textures.

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