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Kile Smith is a contemporary American composer, born on July 18, 1956, in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up in Pennsylvania and began his musical journey as a chorister in the choir of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. Smith's love for music was evident from a young age, and he went on to study music at Lebanon Valley College, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition. After completing his undergraduate studies, Smith continued his education at Temple University, where he earned a Master of Music degree in Composition. During this time, he studied with renowned composers such as Maurice Wright, George Crumb, and Richard Wernick. Smith's time at Temple University was a formative period in his career, and he credits his studies there with shaping his musical style and approach to composition. Smith's early works were heavily influenced by the minimalist movement, which was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. However, as he continued to develop as a composer, his style evolved to incorporate a wider range of influences, including jazz, folk music, and medieval chant. Smith's music is characterized by its lyricism, rhythmic complexity, and use of rich harmonies. One of Smith's most significant works is his oratorio, "The Consolation of Apollo," which was commissioned by The Crossing, a Philadelphia-based choir. The piece tells the story of the Apollo 8 mission, which was the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon. The oratorio features a libretto by Gene Scheer and incorporates elements of medieval chant, American folk music, and contemporary classical music. "The Consolation of Apollo" premiered in 2014 and has since been performed by choirs across the United States. Another notable work by Smith is his "Canticle," which was commissioned by the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia. The piece is a setting of the hymn "All Creatures of Our God and King" and features a solo cello and choir. "Canticle" premiered in 2010 and has since been performed by choirs and orchestras around the world. Smith has also composed a number of instrumental works, including his "String Quartet No. 2," which was commissioned by the Daedalus Quartet. The piece is a four-movement work that explores themes of memory and loss. "String Quartet No. 2" premiered in 2012 and has since been performed by numerous string quartets. In addition to his work as a composer, Smith is also an accomplished writer and broadcaster. He has written for a number of publications, including The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Broad Street Review. He is also the host of the radio program "Now Is the Time," which features contemporary classical music by American composers. Smith's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2016, he was awarded the Virgil Thomson Award for Vocal Music by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He has also been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage. Today, Smith continues to compose and perform his music, and his works are regularly performed by choirs, orchestras, and chamber ensembles around the world. His music is celebrated for its beauty, complexity, and emotional depth, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important American composers of his generation.

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