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Kent Gustavson is a contemporary classical music composer, born in 1974 in Long Island, New York. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Gustavson started playing the piano at the age of four and began composing music at the age of eight. Gustavson received his Bachelor of Music degree in composition from the Eastman School of Music in 1996. He then went on to earn his Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Michigan in 1998. During his time at the University of Michigan, Gustavson studied with William Bolcom, Michael Daugherty, and Bright Sheng. Gustavson's music is heavily influenced by his background in both classical and jazz music. He often incorporates elements of jazz harmony and improvisation into his classical compositions. His music has been described as "lyrical, expressive, and emotionally charged." One of Gustavson's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Long Island Philharmonic in 2002. The symphony is in four movements and features a large orchestra with a prominent role for the piano. The work has been praised for its "lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and intricate rhythms." Another notable work by Gustavson is his Piano Concerto, which was premiered by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 2006. The concerto is in three movements and features a virtuosic piano part. The work has been praised for its "dazzling piano writing and inventive orchestration." In addition to his orchestral works, Gustavson has also composed numerous chamber music works, including string quartets, piano trios, and solo piano pieces. His chamber music has been performed by ensembles such as the Ying Quartet and the New York New Music Ensemble. Gustavson is also an accomplished pianist and has performed his own works as well as the works of other composers in solo recitals and chamber music concerts. He has recorded several albums of his own music, including his Symphony No. 1 and Piano Concerto. In addition to his work as a composer and pianist, Gustavson is also a musicologist and author. He has written several books on music, including "The Story of Jazz" and "The History of Classical Music." He is also the founder and director of the Sound of Long Island Music Festival, which brings together musicians from across Long Island for a week of concerts and workshops. Overall, Kent Gustavson is a versatile and accomplished composer whose music combines elements of classical and jazz music. His works have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world and have been praised for their emotional depth and inventive use of harmony and rhythm.

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