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Justin Merritt is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on August 3, 1975, in Durham, North Carolina. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a singer. Merritt started playing the piano at the age of five and began composing music when he was just eight years old. Merritt attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at the University of Michigan, where he studied with William Bolcom and Michael Daugherty. After completing his studies, Merritt moved to New York City, where he currently resides. Merritt's music is known for its eclectic style, blending elements of classical, jazz, and rock music. He has composed works for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo performers. Some of his most notable works include "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," "Symphony No. 1," and "String Quartet No. 2." One of Merritt's early works, "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," was composed in 2001 and premiered by the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies and virtuosic violin writing. It has since been performed by numerous orchestras around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine and the New York Youth Symphony. Merritt's "Symphony No. 1" was composed in 2005 and premiered by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. The piece is a four-movement work that showcases Merritt's ability to blend different musical styles. The first movement, "Fanfare," is a bold and energetic opening that features brass and percussion. The second movement, "Lament," is a somber and introspective piece that features the strings. The third movement, "Dance," is a lively and rhythmic section that features the woodwinds and percussion. The final movement, "Epilogue," brings the piece to a dramatic and powerful conclusion. Merritt's "String Quartet No. 2" was composed in 2010 and premiered by the Momenta Quartet. The piece is a three-movement work that explores the different timbres and textures of the string quartet. The first movement, "Prelude," is a slow and contemplative section that features the cello. The second movement, "Scherzo," is a fast and playful section that features the violins. The final movement, "Postlude," is a dramatic and intense section that features all four instruments. In addition to his work as a composer, Merritt is also an educator. He has taught at a number of institutions, including the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. He is currently a professor of music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Merritt has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer. In 2009, he was awarded the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2013, he was awarded the Copland House Residency Award, which allowed him to spend six months at the Aaron Copland House in New York. He has also received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Music Center. Overall, Justin Merritt is a talented and versatile composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His works are characterized by their eclectic style, lush harmonies, and virtuosic writing.

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