Grammy Award-Nominated Composer and Arranger To Premiere Two Compositions at Scranton

Apr 4, 2011
Grammy-nominated composer and arranger Ted Nash will conduct Scranton’s Concert Band and Concert Choir in the world premiere performances of two of his pieces at The University of Scranton’s 28th annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert on Friday, April 15, in the Houlihan-McLean Center.
Grammy-nominated composer and arranger Ted Nash will conduct Scranton’s Concert Band and Concert Choir in the world premiere performances of two of his pieces at The University of Scranton’s 28th annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert on Friday, April 15, in the Houlihan-McLean Center.

        World-renowned saxophonist, and Grammy-nominated composer and arranger Ted Nash will appear at The University of Scranton as the featured guest composer of the 28th annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert on Friday, April 15. The concert will be held in the Houlihan-McLean Center at 7:30 p.m., and will feature The University of Scranton Concert Choir and Concert Band.

        Nash will conduct the world premiere of two pieces he composed specifically for these student ensembles: “Windows,” a piece for four-part choir with cello accompaniment, and  “Mona Passage,” for concert band. The performance is free of charge and open to the public.

        A multi-talented musician from a young age, Nash is currently a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Jazz Composers Collective. Nash also leads his own groups, Odeon, Still Evolved and Double Quartet.

        Downbeat magazine has cited Nash as a “rising star” on saxophone for several years as part of their Critic’s Poll. His recordings have received much acclaim, being cited as top 10 CDs by publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, Downbeat and Jazz Times Magazine. He has also won three SESAC National Performance Activity Awards for the widespread success his recordings have had on the radio. His most recent recording was with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) and featured his composition, commissioned specifically by the group, “Portrait in Seven Shades.” Released in February 2010, the recording marks the first JLCO recording devoted to the original music of a band member other than Wynton Marsalis. In December 2010, it was announced that “Monet” from Nash’s “Portrait in Seven Shades” had been nominated for a Grammy for best arrangement.

        Established in 1984, the World Premiere Composition Series brings figures such as Nash to The University of Scranton on a yearly basis, providing students with the opportunity to work with and learn from nationally and internationally known composers and conductors. The series also provides opportunities for young rising composers and has made significant contributions to the wind and choral repertoires. In addition to Nash, the series has featured renowned composers such as Wycliffe Gordon, Vaclav Nelhybel, Lawrence Wolfe, Victor Goines, and even gave now internationally famous composer Robert Kapilow his very first commission.

        For more information, contact Cheryl Y. Boga, director of Performance Music at The University of Scranton, by calling (570) 941-7624, e-mailing music@scranton.edu, or visiting www.scranton.edu/music.


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