Role

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Composer Conductor

Birth

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June 25, 1980

 

Scott Perkins is a contemporary American composer of classical music. He was born on August 28, 1976, in New York City, and grew up in the suburbs of Long Island. Perkins showed an early interest in music, and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the trumpet and the guitar, and began composing his own music in his teenage years. Perkins attended the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the Yale School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from the University of Michigan. Perkins has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award, the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Aaron Copland Award from the Copland House. His music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Virtuoso Singers. Perkins' music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate rhythms. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including nature, literature, and visual art. His compositions often explore themes of spirituality, memory, and the passage of time. One of Perkins' most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and premiered in 2014. The symphony is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the natural world. The first movement, "Mountain," is inspired by the rugged terrain of the American West, and features soaring melodies and dramatic climaxes. The second movement, "River," is a more contemplative piece that evokes the gentle flow of water. The final movement, "Sky," is a joyful celebration of the vast expanse of the heavens. Another significant work by Perkins is his String Quartet No. 2, which was commissioned by the Cassatt Quartet and premiered in 2012. The quartet is divided into four movements, each of which explores a different emotional state. The first movement, "Agitated," is a frenzied and dissonant piece that reflects feelings of anxiety and unrest. The second movement, "Meditative," is a more introspective piece that features a hauntingly beautiful melody. The third movement, "Energetic," is a lively and rhythmic piece that conveys a sense of excitement and vitality. The final movement, "Serene," is a peaceful and contemplative piece that brings the quartet to a gentle close. Perkins has also written a number of vocal works, including his choral piece "The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass," which was commissioned by the New York Virtuoso Singers and premiered in 2007. The piece combines elements of traditional bluegrass music with the structure of a Catholic mass, and features a soloist, choir, and bluegrass band. The piece has been performed by choirs around the world, and has been praised for its innovative blend of musical styles. In addition to his work as a composer, Perkins is also an active educator and scholar. He has taught composition and music theory at a number of institutions, including the University of Michigan, the University of Oregon, and the University of Puget Sound.

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