Events

Upcoming events

String Quartet No. 4 'Traveling Symphony' at Hear Now Festival 2024

April 25, 2024

Donald Crockett's String Quartet No. 4 Traveling Symphony will receive its Los Angeles premiere performance by the Lyris Quartet at this year's Hear Now Music Festival. Thursday April 25, 8pm, at 2220 ARTS + ARCHIVES in Los Angeles. Hear Now, in its 13th season, runs from April 24 - 28 this year.

Crockett Violin Concerto with David Bowlin and Thornton Edge

April 9, 2024

Donald Crockett conducts the Los Angeles premiere of his Violin Concerto, co-commissioned by the Aspen Music Festival and Oberlin Conservatory, featuring violin soloist David Bowlin and Thornton Edge conducted by the composer. Tuesday April 9, 7:30pm, Newman Recital Hall.

Thornton Edge

February 27, 2024

USC Thornton Edge presents a concert of wildly varied vocal music by Thornton graduate student composer/performers Timmy Peterson, V.C.R. and Anuj Bhutani, opening with the classic sinfonietta overture by Don Freund, Hard Cells, conducted by Donald Crockett. Feb 27, 7:30pm, Newman Recital Hall.

New Music for Orchestra

February 23, 2024

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Symphony in this annual concert featuring works by our outstanding Thornton student composers.  This year features works by Gibson Mahnke, Grace Miedziak, Anuj Bhutani, Hannah Rice, Theo Strich and Erika Poh. Friday Feb 23, 7:30pm, Bovard Auditorium.

'The Last Possibilities of Light' premiere

February 1, 2024

The Last Possibilities of LIght Ritornello-Variations for flute and piano receives its premiere performance on a faculty recital by Conor Nelson.  The work was commissioned by Conor Nelson with the support of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with funding from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.  Conor will be doing a premiere run and recording of the work during the 23/24 season and beyond. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Thursday February 1. 

Recent events

Commission and recording for flautist Conor Nelson

2023/24 season

Donald Crockett has been commissioned for a substantial new work for flute and piano by the formidable flute virtuoso Conor Nelson.  The Last Possibilities of Light Ritornello-Variations for Flute and Piano (2023) is set for a premiere run on tour during the 23/24 season and beyond. The first performance will be on February 1 at University of Wisconsin Madison.  Stay tuned for further details.

State of the Art: Hear Now in the California Festival

November 17, 2023

Donald Crockett conducts Brightwork newmusic in Arash Majd's Continuum: Cause and Effect and Kay Rhie's Threshold in this concert sponsored by the Hear Now Music Festival as part of the inaugural California Festival of new music. Thayer Hall, Colburn School, Friday November 17, 8pm. 

Thornton Edge in the California Festival

November 14, 2023

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge as part of the inaugural California Festival, a statewide festival featuring new music from around the world.  This concert celebrates the 700th anniversary of the founding of Vilnius, the capitol of Lithuania, with music by Lithuanian composers including Thornton faculty member Veronika Krausas.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus. Tuesday November 14, 7:30pm.

Thornton Edge

October 3, 2023

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge in a concert featuring the world premiere of Mark Weiser's Lumina, Nina Shekhar's Quirkhead for soprano and string quartet, Britta Bystrom's A Walk on Green Streets, and Frederic Rzewski's iconic Coming Together.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus. Tuesday October 3 7:30pm.

Rick Lesemann Memorial Concert

September 28, 2023

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge in a performance of Frederick Lesemann's Concertino for Flute and Five Instruments, featuring soloist Marley Eder, at a memorial concert celebrating long-time Thornton faculty member, Rick Lesemann, who passed away in February 2023.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, Thursday September 28, 7:30pm.

'to be sung on the water' at Aspen

August 19, 2023

Donald Crockett's duo for violin and viola, to be sung on the water, returns to Aspen on Saturday August 19 in Harris Hall for the final Chamber Music concert of the 2023 Aspen Music Festival season. The piece will be played by violinist Herdis Gudmundsdottir and violist Felix Vester, members of the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE). Harris Hall, Aspen Music Festival, 4:30pm Saturday August 19.

'Night Scenes' at Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival

August 7, 2023

Donald Crockett's Night Scenes for piano trio will be performed as part of the 40th Season of the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival on the 'Landscapes and Pastorales' concert on Monday August 7, 6:00pm at the Parrish Art Museum in Bridgehampton NY.  For more information about the Festival's 40th season, visit bcmf.org. 

'to be sung on the water' at Aspen

July 20, 2023

The Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE) performs Donald Crockett's duo for violin and viola, to be sung on the water, on the Music with a View concert at the Aspen Art Museum, 6pm July 20.

Chamber Music Conference at Colgate

July 16 - August 6, 2023

Donald Crockett returns to the Chamber Music Conference, now held at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, as Senior Composer in Residence.  He will run the Composers' Forum part of the Conference, working with Resident Composers Marc Mellits, Sky Macklay and Sean Friar, Composition Fellows, and CMC participants and faculty in the 'new music' activities of the festival.

ACE at the Aspen Music Festival

June 24 - July 10, 2023

Donald Crockett returns to conduct the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE) in the opening weeks of the Aspen Music Festival, performing in Harris Hall and working with the Aspen composition fellows.  Britta Bystrom's A Walk on Green Streets is featured on the July 1 concert in Harris Hall, 4:30pm. 

Commission and recording for Piano Sonata 'Red Leaves of Night'

2022/23 season

American pianist Phillip Bush has commissioned Donald Crockett for his new Piano Sonata Red Leaves of Night for recording in 2022 and performances on tour in 22/23 and beyond. Phillip will pair this with Pilgrimage, an earlier Crockett piano work, and 20th/21st century rep for which Phillip is justly famous (!).  The world premiere took place on September 2, 2022 at Bargemusic in Brooklyn.

LA Philharmonic Composer Fellowship Program

June 3, 2023

Donald Crockett workshops and conducts pieces by the talented young students in the esteemed Composer Fellowship Program of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, directed by Andrew Norman and associate Sarah Gibson.  May 20: initial day-long workshop at Disney Hall.  June 2: rehearsals.  June 3: final concert at the YOLA Center.

SAKURA plays 'Carving an Alphabet' at Colburn

April 27, 2023

SAKURA cello quintet performs the premiere run of Donald Crockett's Carving an Alphabet, concluding with a featured recital at the Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles. 7pm, Thayer Hall, Colburn.

SAKURA 'Carving an Alphabet' Orange County premiere

April 22, 2023

SAKURA cello quintet offers the Orange County premiere of Donald Crockett's new work, Carving an Alphabet.

Chamber Music OC, 23666 Birtcher Drive, Lake Forest, CA. 7:30pm

HearNow Festival 2023

April 15-16, 2023

Donald Crockett conducts world premieres by Jeffrey Holmes and Arash Majd on this year's HearNow Festival. 2220 Arts + Archives, April 15 at 2pm, April 16 at 5pm.

Thornton Edge Slava Festival

April 11, 2023

Donald Crockett leads Thornton Edge in a concert supporting Ukraine, curated by Adam Karelin.  The program includes music by Valentyn Sylvestrov, Ivan Karabyts, and the world premiere of Adam Karelin's Forget Your Past for two vocalists and sinfonietta. Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30pm.

Argus Quartet tours 'Array' (Quartet No. 1) and Quartet No. 2

March 22, 2023

The intrepid Argus Quartet continues its two-season project of touring two of Donald Crockett's string quartets: Quartet No. 1 Array and Quartet No. 2.  On tour in Southern California, the Argus Quartet will perform Quartet No. 1 Array and Quartet No. 2 in Los Angeles on March 22, 7:30pm at Cammilleri Hall in the Brain and Creativity Institute on the USC campus. 

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge

February 28, 2023

Donald Crockett leads Thornton Edge in the world premiere of My Time Machine by Celka Ojakangas, as well as Kaija Saariaho's Quatre Instants and Jihyun Kim's Once Upon A Time...Newman Recital Hall, USC Campus, 7:30pm.

New Music for Orchestra

February 24, 2023

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Symphony in the annual New Music for Orchestra concert, featuring brand new works by outstanding Thornton student composers. Crockett has premiered over 150 new orchestral works in this long-running series at Thornton, and many of the pieces have gone on to performances by major orchestras, including recent pieces by Nina Shekhar and Julia Adolphe.   Bovard Auditorium, USC campus, February 24, 7:30pm.

Violin Concerto premiere at Aspen Music Festival

August 20, 2022

Donald Crockett conducts the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE) in the Aspen Music Festival premiere of his Violin Concerto, with soloist David Bowlin.  This concerto was co-commissioned by the Aspen Music Festival and Oberlin Conservatory.  Aspen Music Festival, Harris Hall, Saturday August 20 at 4:30pm.

Violin Concerto Oberlin premiere

May 24, 2022

Donald Crockett conducts the first performance of his Violin Concerto, co-commissioned by Oberlin and the Aspen Music Festival, in a concert with the Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble and violin soloist David Bowlin.  Also on the program are very nifty pieces by Stephen Hartke and Jihyun Kim.  May 24, Oberlin Conservatory.

LA Phil Composer Fellowship Program

May 21-June 4, 2022

Donald Crockett workshops and conducts pieces by the talented young students in the esteemed Composer Fellowship Program of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, directed by Andrew Norman and associate Sarah Gibson.  May 21: initial day-long workshop at Disney Hall.  June 2-3: rehearsals.  June 4: final concert at the YOLA Center.

'And the River' recording sessions

June 6-7, 2022

HOCKET (Sarah Gibson and Thomas Kotcheff) and an ensemble of stellar Los Angeles musicians conducted by the composer were to gather to record Donald Crockett's concerto for duo pianists and chamber orchestra, And the River, for release on the Coviello Classics label, in May 2020, POSTPONED due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

These recording sessions, with the same stellar musicians, are postponed until 2022.  And the River was co-commissioned by Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, the Aspen Music Festival and Oberlin Conservatory; the premiere run was in 2018-19 with performances in Los Angeles, Aspen, Oberlin and Cleveland.  Latest update: the recording sessions are now scheduled for June 6-7,2022 for release on Coviello Classics.

Premiere of Piano Sonata 'Red Leaves of Night'

September 2, 2022

Phillip Bush presents the world premiere of Donald Crockett's Piano Sonata Red Leaves of Night at the Here and Now festival at Bargemusic in Brooklyn on September 2, 2022 at 7pm.  

Chamber Music Conference at Colgate

July 18 - August 7, 2022

Donald Crockett returns to the Chamber Music Conference, now at Colgate University, for its 75th Anniversary celebrations.  As Senior Composer in Residence, he will coach participant groups in the 75th Anniversary commissions (by Han Lash, Kurt Rohde, Elizabeth Ogonek and himself) and other chamber music rep, as well as attend the premiere of the commissions, including his Camera Oscura on July 30.

'Camera Oscura' at the Chamber Music Conference

July 30, 2022

Donald Crockett's nonet, Camera Oscura, commissioned by the Chamber Music Conference and Composers' Forum of the East for its 75th Anniversary season, receives its world premiere at the Conference on Saturday July 30, Colgate University, 8pm.

Argus Quartet plays 'Array' at Princeton

June 16, 2022

The intrepid young string quartet, Argus Quartet, performed Donald Crockett's Array (String Quartet No. 1) on the Summer Chamber Concerts series at Princeton University on June 16. This is the first entry in a two-season project to record and perform on tour the four Crockett string quartets: Quartet No. 1 Array, Quartet No. 2, Quartet No. 3 Cortege and Quartet No. 4 Traveling Symphony.  Stay tuned for further details as this project unfolds. 

ACE at Aspen Music Festival

June 27 - July 17, August 8 - 21, 2022

Donald Crockett is in residence at the Aspen Music Festival for the first three weeks conducting the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE) in readings and performances as part of the Chamber Music concert series at the Festival. July 2, blackportrait by Michael Frazier; July 9, Meanwhile by Stephen Hartke; July 16, Quatre Instants by Kaija Saariaho.  Aspen Music Festival, Harris Hall 4:30pm.  

He returns August 8 for the final two weeks of the festival, conducting ACE in First Glimpse concerts featuring new music by the Aspen Composition Fellows on August 11 and 18 at 2:30pm, Harrison Birtwistle's Carmen Arcadiae Mechanicae Perpetuum on August 13 at 4:30pm, and the Aspen premiere of his Violin Concerto with violinist David Bowlin on August 20 at 4:30pm.  Aspen Music Festival, Harris Hall.

Violin Concerto co-commission and recording

May 24 and August 20, 2022

Donald Crockett's recently completed Violin Concerto, a co-commission including the Aspen Music Festival and Oberlin Conservatory, features David Bowlin as soloist with the composer conducting. The premiere performances start at Oberlin on May 24, 2022 and continue at Aspen later in the summer on August 20.  Recording sessions to follow.  Stay tuned for updates!

‘The Cinnamon Peeler’ with Thornton Edge

April 12, 2022

Donald Crockett's The Cinnamon Peeler, a dramatic setting of Michael Ondaatje's remarkable, colorful poem, will be performed by Thornton Edge featuring Thornton composer/vocalist Mingjia Chen in a program also including Olly Wilson's A City Called Heaven and Witold Lutoslawski's Chain 1. Donald Crockett, conducting.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, April 12, 2022 at 7:30pm.

Donald Crockett conducts 'Tabula Rasa' at Noon to Midnight

April 9, 2022

Donald Crockett conducts Arvo Part's seminal Tabula Rasa for two violins, prepared piano and string orchestra at the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Noon to Midnight festival at Disney Hall, a Monday Evening Concerts presentation as part of the N2M festival, April 9 at 10:15pm. 

Kate Vincent premieres 'Cataclysm' at Colburn

April 8, 2022

Violist Kate Vincent presents the first complete performance of Donald Crockett's Cataclysm for viola and percussion, together with Luciano Berio's classic Naturale, on a faculty recital at the Colburn School.

April 8, 7:00pm, Thayer Hall, Colburn School, Los Angeles.

Thornton Edge in concert

November 16, 2021

Donald Crockett leads USC's new music ensemble, Thornton Edge, in a concert featuring works by Kaija Saariaho, Billy Childs and Stephen Hartke.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30pm LIVE-STREAM. 

Resident Composer at UNLV

November 14-15, 2021

Donald Crockett will be featured as a guest composer at the University of Nevada Las Vegas November 14 and 15, with a concert by Nextet including Crockett's Capriccio II for two pianos, Extant in a version for saxophone and ensemble, and his piano trio, Night Scenes.  UNLV campus, November 16, 7:30pm.

New Music for Orchestra

October 13, 2021

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Symphony in the annual New Music for Orchestra concert, featuring brand new works by Thornton student composers Hunter Long, Adam Karelin, Alexander Mansour, Ethan Moffitt and JP Merz.  Bovard Auditorium 7:30pm LIVE-STREAMED.

Thornton Edge in concert

October 5, 2021

Donald Crockett directs the USC Thornton Edge new music ensemble in a concert featuring music by Tigran Mansurian, Libby Larsen, Reza Vali and Sebastian Fagerlund. A set for voice and electronics by Thornton MM composer/performers Mingjia Chen and Rohan Chander concludes the evening. Newman Recital Hall, USC campus 7:30pm, LIVE-STREAMED.

Blue Earth on BMOP Radio

September 1, 7, 9,14, 20, 29, 30, 2021

Selections from Donald Crockett's Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) recording on BMOP/sound, Blue Earth, with Gil Rose conducting, will be featured on BMOP Radio broadcasts in September:  Sept. 1 at 11am EDT, Sept. 7 at 2pm, Sept. 9 at 7:30pm, Sept. 14 at 2pm, Sept. 20 at 7:30pm, Sept. 29 at 11am, Sept. 30 at 7:30pm. (all times EDT)

ACE at the Aspen Music Festival

June 27 - July 12, 2021

Donald Crockett returns to conduct the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE) in the opening weeks of the Aspen Music Festival, conducting works by Sydney Hodkinson (Bricks, Concerto Fantasia), Olly Wilson (A City Called Heaven) and Inti Figgiz-Vizueta (Open work, knotted object/ Trellis in Bloom/ lightning ache) and working with the Composition Fellows in new works for ACE.  June-July 2021

'to be sung on the water' at Aspen Music Festival

August 10, 2021

Donald Crockett's duo for violin and viola, to be sung on the water, in concert at the Aspen Music Festival with the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE), Nathan Lowry, violin and Catherine Chen, viola.  Also on the program is music by Andrew Norman, Judith Shatin, Christopher Theofanides, Valerie Coleman and Stephen Hartke.  Aspen Art Museum, 6pm.

Chamber Music Conference 75th Anniversary season commission

July-August 2020 POSTPONED due to COVID-19 pandemic

Donald Crockett was to return to the CMC as Senior Composer in Residence for the 75th Anniversary season, to be held in summer 2020 at Colgate University in New York.  He is one of the composers commissioned in celebration of the CMC's 75th anniversary, along with Hannah Lash, Kurt Rohde and Elizabeth Ogonek.  His piece, Camera Oscura (It. 'darkroom') a nonet for ww quintet, violin, viola, cello and bass, was to be premiered at the faculty concert on August 1, and coached in participant ensembles all four weeks of the festival.  The Chamber Music Conference 75th Anniversary is POSTPONED due to the COVID-19 pandemic to July-August 2021.  

New Music USA commission for SAKURA cello quintet

March 22, 2020 POSTPONED due to COVID-19 pandemic

Donald Crockett has received a commission from New Music USA to compose a major work for the outstanding young cello quintet, SAKURA, for the 2019/20 season.  The premiere of Carving an Alphabet would have been on the closing concert of the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival 2020, part of the Colburn Celebrity Series, in Disney Hall, Los Angeles on March 22, 2020.  This concert, and the entire festival, was of course POSTPONED due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Stay tuned for additional details as they unfold in the coming season(s).  Updates on the project also available at the New Music USA website.

ACE at the Aspen Music Festival

July 2020 CANCELLED due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Donald Crockett was to return to the Aspen Music Festival to conduct the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE) in the opening weeks of the festival, performing works by Maria Schneider and Steven Stucky.  All in-person events of the 2020 Aspen Music Festival were CANCELLED due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The 2021 Aspen Music Festival is currently under construction!

Thornton Edge

April 14, 2020 cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

Donald Crockett was to conduct Thornton Edge new music ensemble in a program featuring Sebastian Fagerlund's Octet Autumn Equinox in Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, Tuesday April 14 at 7:30pm.  This concert was CANCELLED due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  However, solo works by Thornton faculty and students, performed at home by Thornton Edge musicians, was presented on the inaugural Thornton/LIVE broadcasts ('New Music from Thornton Edge') September 15, 22, 29 and October 6, 2021.  Included in the online broadcasts was Donald Crockett's mickey finn for solo violin, played by Nicholas Bentz.

Thornton Edge in concert

March 3, 2020

Donald Crockett conducts USC's new music ensemble, Thornton Edge, in a program featuring the premiere of the sinfonietta version of Kalevi Aho's Clarinet Concerto, featuring Thornton Artist Diploma clarinetist, Yasmina Spiegelberg.  Also on the program is the premiere of a new work for sinfonietta and electronics by Dan Caputo, and Steve Mackey's classic Indigenous Instruments.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, Tuesday March 3 at 7:30pm.

New Music for Orchestra

February 28, 2020

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Symphony in the latest edition of New Music for Orchestra, a program of new works by our amazing Thornton composition students, at Bovard Auditorium on the USC campus, February 28 at 7:30pm.

Lisa Stidham sings 'Occhi dell'alma mia' at Oberlin

February 16, 2020

Soprano Lisa Stidham and guitarist Stephen Aron perform Donald Crockett's Occhi dell'alma mia in a faculty recital at Oberlin Conservatory on February 16.  

Portland Piano Trio plays 'Night Scenes'

December 15, 2019

Maine's Portland Piano Trio performs Donald Crockett's Night Scenes in a concert on December 15: "At Twilight" with the Portland Piano Trio, Mechanics Hall, Portland, Maine 4pm.  Works by Schubert and Crockett.

Thornton Edge in concert

November 19, 2019

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge in recent music from Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.  Newman Recital Hall, USC Campus, 7:30pm.

Kate Vincent performs and records 'Cataclysm'

November 2019

Donald Crockett has written a new work for Kate Vincent entitled Cataclysm for viola and percussion.  Kate and percussionist Dustin Donohue will present a concert premiere in November, together with Berio's iconic Naturale; and record Cataclysm shortly thereafter with recording engineer Joel Gordon.  Stay tuned for details!

'Night Scenes' with Fifth House Ensemble on tour

November 7, 2019

Chicago's terrific Fifth House Ensemble is carrying Donald Crockett's Night Scenes again this season.  The next performance is at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL on November 7.

Thornton Edge in concert

October 7, 2019

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge new music ensemble in works by Stravinsky, Karen Tanaka, Scott Wheeler, and Scelsi's concerto for scordatura violin and 18 instruments, Anahit, with soloist Nicholas Bentz.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, Monday October 7 at 7:30pm.

Felici Piano Trio plays Night Scenes

September 28-29, 2019

The Felici Piano Trio - Rebecca Hang, violin, Brian Schuldt, cello, Steven Vanhauwaert, piano - perform Donald Crockett's Night Scenes on a concert with music by Clara Schumann and Beethoven entitled Ode to Joy.  Saturday September 28, 7:30pm at Cerro Coso College in Mammoth Lakes; and Sunday September 29, 4:00pm at Cerro Coso College in Bishop.

Bennington Chamber Music Conference

July 21-August 4, 2019

Donald Crockett returns to the Bennington Chamber Music Conference, in its 74th year, to work with Resident composers Allen Shawn, Scott Wheeler and Judith Shatin, composition fellows, faculty coaches and participants in this amazing chamber music summer camp.  He is also one of the commissioned composers for a new chamber work (together with Hannah Lash, Elizabeth Ogonek and Stephen Hartke) for the CMC's 75th Anniversary season in 2020.  July 21 - August 4, Bennington College, VT.

Resident Composer at the Atlantic Music Festival

July 8 - 14, 2019

Donald Crockett returns to the Atlantic Music Festival as a resident composer, where he will teach composition students and coach performance fellows in his music. Colby College, Watertown, Maine.  July 8 - 14.

And the River with HOCKET and ACE at Aspen

June 22 - July 7, 2019

Donald Crockett returns for the opening weeks of the Aspen Music Festival to conduct his concerto for duo-pianists and chamber orchestra, And the River, with HOCKET and the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE). And the River is a co-commission with the Aspen Music Festival and School, Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra and the Oberlin Contemporary Ensemble.  Donald Crockett also conducts Sebastian Fagerlund's Octet Autumn Equinox, and works with ACE and the Aspen composition fellows in the preparation of their new pieces composed for ACE at the Festival.  

June 29 - Donald Crockett: And the River at Harris Hall, 4:30 pm.

July 6 - Sebastian Fagerlund: Octet Autumn Equinox at Harris Hall, 4:30 pm.

Donald Crockett conducts Wyschnegradsky at Other Minds in San Francisco

June 16, 2019

Donald Crockett conducts microtonal music for multiple pianists (HOCKET - Sarah Gibson and Thomas Kotcheff - Vicki Ray and Steven Van Hauwaert) by Ivan Wyschnegradsky during the 2019 Other Minds Festival.  The US premieres of Cosmos and Ainsi Parlait Zarathoustra, after about 80 years, will be on June 16, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco.

'Night Scenes' with Fifth House Ensemble on tour

April 7, 2019

Chicago's Fifth House Ensemble continues to carry Donald Crockett's piano trio, Night Scenes on tour in 2018/19.  This performance on April 7 is at Hey Nonny in Arlington, Illinois.

Thornton Edge at REDCAT for Noon to Midnight with LA Phil Composer Fellowship Program

June 1, 2019

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge in a program of new mixed ensemble works by the sixteen intrepid young composers of the LA Phil's celebrated Composer Fellowship Program directed by Andrew Norman with assistance from Sarah Gibson and Thomas Kotcheff.  Noon to Midnight, REDCAT at Disney Hall, June 1 in the afternoon.

'Night Scenes' with Fifth House Ensemble on tour

May 12, 2019

Fifth House Ensemble continues with Night Scenes for piano trio in a concert for the Waukegan Chamber Music Society in Waukegan, Illinois on May 12, 2019.

'Nella Luce' in Garlands for Steven Stucky

May 9, 2019

Gloria Cheng's Garlands for Steven Stucky tour continues with a performance of the 32 works composed in honor of Steve including Donald Crockett's Nella Luce.  University of Missouri-Kansas City, Thursday May 9.

Hear/Now Festival in Los Angeles

May 4, 2019

Donald Crockett conducts the Hear/Now Festival ensemble in Karen Tanaka's Water and Stone. May 4 at 8pm, First Lutheran Church of Venice.

'Night Scenes' with Fifth House Ensemble on tour

April 28, 2019

Fifth House Ensemble continues to carry Donald Crockett's Night Scenes for piano trio.  This performance will be at Southeast Missouri State University on April 28, 2019.

'Nella Luce' in Garlands for Steven Stucky

April 13, 2019

Gloria Cheng's Garlands for Steven Stucky tour continues with a performance at the Madrid Theater in Canoga Park, CA, with pieces by 32 friends and colleagues of Steve including Donald Crockett's Nella Luce. Saturday April 13.

'And the River' concerto for HOCKET with Thornton Edge

April 9, 2019

HOCKET (Sarah Gibson and Thomas Kotcheff) and Thornton Edge perform Donald Crockett's new concerto for duo pianists and chamber orchestra, And the River, conducted by the composer, in an Edge concert also featuring Sean Friar's Dynamics for cello solo and chamber winds with soloist Michael Kaufman, and Morten Lauridsen's Lorca Songs.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm.

'Whistling in the Dark,' 'Wet Ink' and 'mickey finn' at the Norwegian Academy of Music

March 24, 2019

Donald Crockett's new music ensemble work, Whistling in the Dark, conducted by the composer, together with Wet Ink for violin and piano and mickey finn for solo violin will be featured in a concert at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, Norway on March 24.  Donald Crockett will be in residence at the Academy March 19 - 24 doing  masterclasses, composition lessons and rehearsals leading up to the concert. 

Thornton Edge in concert

February 26, 2019

Donald Crockett leads Thornton Edge new music ensemble in recent works from the US, including Andy Akiho's Karakurenai, Keith Fitch's Midnight Rounds and Sarah Gibson's Outsider.  The intrepid piano duo, HOCKET, returns to USC as Thornton Edge's ensemble-in-residence for Spring 2019; they will appear in Andy Akiho's and Sarah Gibson's pieces on this concert. Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm.

New Music for Orchestra

February 20, 2019

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Symphony in the annual New Music for Orchestra concert of works by Thornton student composers.  New Music for Orchestra, lead by Donald Crockett each year, has presented over 150 new works by USC Thornton student composers; many of these new works have gone on to subscription concerts with orchestras nationally, and garnered numerous awards, readings and commissions for these outstanding young composers.

Tracking Inland with Arctic Philharmonic

January 31, 2019

Donald Crockett's piece for harp, flute, clarinet and string quartet, Tracking Inland, will be performed by the Arctic Philharmonic, Timothy Weiss, conductor, in a program with Ravel's Introduction and Allegro for the same instrumentation, and Stravinsky's Three Japanese Lyrics.  Narvik, Norway.

'Nella Luce' in Garlands for Steven Stucky

November 27, 2018

Gloria Cheng's Garlands for Steven Stucky in Piano Spheres series, including Donald Crockett's Nella Luce.  Zipper Hall, Colburn School, Los Angeles, Tuesday November 27.

Thornton Edge

November 13, 2018

Thornton Edge new music ensemble, conducted by Donald Crockett, will perform a program of American music (Charles Ives, Elizabeth Ogonek, David Dzubay) on this concert at Newman Recital Hall on the USC campus, Tuesday November 13 at 7:30pm.

'And the River' concerto for HOCKET

November 11, 2018

HOCKET (Sarah Gibson and Thomas Kotcheff) and the Oberlin Sinfonietta conducted by Tim Weiss present And the River on the road at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Sunday November 11 at 2pm.

'And the River' concerto for HOCKET

November 9, 2018

Donald Crockett's new concerto for duo-pianists (HOCKET) and chamber orchestra, And the River, continues its premiere run at Oberlin, with the Oberlin Sinfonietta conducted by Tim Weiss, and HOCKET again as the soloists.  Oberlin Conservatory, November 9.

'Nella Luce' in Garlands for Steven Stucky

October 12 and 14, 2018

Gloria Cheng's Garlands for Steven Stucky tour continues, with pieces by 32 friends and colleagues of Steve, including Donald Crockett's Nella Luce.  Cornell University, Friday October 12; Northeastern University, Boston, Sunday October 14.

Thornton Edge

October 2, 2018

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Edge new music ensemble in a concert featuring music by (mostly) European composers Pierre Boulez, Hans Abrahamsen, Judith Weir, Anton Webern and Toru Takemitsu.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, Tuesday October 2 at 7:30pm.

'Nella Luce' in Garlands for Steven Stucky

September 27, 2018

Gloria Cheng is touring her Garlands for Steven Stucky album in 2018/19, with the CD release on Bridge Records scheduled for October 1.  Colleagues and friends have contributed short piano works in Steve's honor for this project, including Donald Crockett's Nella Luce.  Bargemusic, NYC, Thursday September 27.

Bennington Chamber Music Conference plays 'Night Scenes'

August 4, 2018

The stellar faculty of the Bennington Chamber Music Conference will perform Donald Crockett's Night Scenes for piano trio at the Saturday night faculty concert. Greenwall Auditorium, Bennington College, 8pm.

Bennington Chamber Music Conference

July 22 - August 12, 2018

Donald Crockett returns as Senior Composer in Residence with the Bennington Chamber Music Conference on the Bennington College campus, coaching participant musicians, working with Resident Composers Lei Liang, Pierre Jalbert and Paul Moravec, mentoring Composition Fellows, and working with the CMC faculty artists on new and recent chamber music, including Crockett's piano trio, Night Scenes.

ACE at the Aspen Music Festival

June 24 - July 15, 2018

Donald Crockett returns to conduct the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble at the Aspen Music Festival for the opening three weeks.  ACE will play in the weekly Chamber Music concerts in Harris Hall, and offer events at the Chapel Series and elsewhere in Aspen in Summer 2018.  Additional details soon.

'to airy thinness beat' at Primrose Competition

June 15, 2018

Donald Crockett's chamber concerto for viola, to airy thinness beat, will be presented in a version for viola and piano (Kate Vincent and Brendan White) at the William Primrose Viola Competition and concert on June 15 at 5:30 pm in Mayman Hall at the Colburn School of Music.  Other works on the program include Andrew Norman's Gran Turismo in a new version for eight violas, and music by Paul Chihara.

Commission for HOCKET and Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra

May 12-13, 2018

Donald Crockett has been commissioned by the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra for a new work for HOCKET: 4 hands in and around a piano etc. etc. plus a conductorless chamber orchestra of nineteen musicians.  HOCKET is Sarah Gibson and Thomas Kotcheff, composer-pianists, collaborating with Kaleidoscope from the Steinway.  The concerto, And the River, is a co-commission with Kaleidoscope, Aspen Music Festival and Oberlin Sinfonietta; stay tuned for additional details.  The premiere will be with HOCKET and the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, Saturday May 12, 2018 at 10pm, Los Angeles Theatre Center; Sunday May 13 at 2pm, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica.

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge with soloists Xak Bjerken and Kate Vincent

April 10, 2018

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge in the West Coast premiere of Stephen Hartke's new piano concerto, Ship of State, with soloist Xak Bjerken.  This is a consortium commission with Thornton Edge and the Oberlin Sinfonietta, conducted by Tim Weiss.  Also featured on the program is Donald Crockett's chamber concerto for viola and six instruments, to airy thinness beat, with violist Kate Vincent.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm.

Thornton Edge new music

February 28, 2018

Donald Crockett leads the USC Thornton Edge new music ensemble in the world premiere of a violin concerto by Patrick O'Malley, with soloist Clara Kim, together with Veronika Krausas' analemma for 11 musicians and Jacob Druckman's classic Come Round.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30pm.

New Music for Orchestra

February 23, 2018

Donald Crockett conducts the latest edition of New Music for Orchestra with the Thornton Symphony.  NMO and Crockett have premiered over 150 USC Thornton student orchestral works in this annual series.  Bovard Auditorium, USC campus, 7:30pm.

Fifth House Ensemble plays 'Night Scenes'

February 2, 2018

Fifth House Ensemble plays Night Scenes at the Grand Teton Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on February 2.

Fifth House Ensemble plays 'Night Scenes'

January 27, 2018

Continuing its tour of Donald Crockett's piano trio, Night Scenes, Fifth House Ensemble performs the work at the Eastman School of Music on January 27.

Thornton Edge in new music with a beat

November 20, 2017

Donald Crockett leads Thornton Edge in a concert of toe-tapping music for ensembles large and small, including music by Dan Visconti, Don Freund, Sean Friar and Sarah Gibson.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm.

Fifth House Ensemble plays 'Night Scenes'

November 14, 2017

Fifth House Ensemble plays Donald Crockett's Night Scenes at Roosevelt University in Chicago.

'Nella Luce' in Garlands for Steven Stucky

November 12, 2017

The third of this brief tour by Gloria Cheng of Garlands for Steven Stucky, including Nella Luce, before Gloria goes into the recording studio for this project, which will also include works by Steve himself.  An extended tour will follow the release of the recording; stay tuned.  Gloria Cheng plays Garlands for Steven Stucky, Cooperage Project, Honesdale, PA, November 12th at 5pm.  

'Nella Luce' in Garlands for Steven Stucky

November 11, 2017

Gloria Cheng plays Nella Luce in the Garlands for Steven Stucky concert at the Tenri Cultural Institute in New York City, November 11th at 8pm.

'Nella Luce' in Garlands for Steven Stucky concert

November 10, 2017

Pianist Gloria Cheng has asked thirty-two composers to offer Garlands for Steve for a recording and concert tour in honor of our late friend, composer Steven Stucky.  My offering, Nella Luce, is named after Steve's beautiful string quartet, Nell'ombra, nella luce (In Shadow, in Light), and has kernals embedded from two Stucky new music classics, Boston Fancies and The Stars and the Roses.  Gloria Cheng in Recital: Garlands for Steven Stucky, Brown University, Granoff Center, Martinos Auditorium November 10 at 8pm.  

'Pilgrimage' at the Georgia Music Teachers Association 2017 Conference

November 3, 2017

Phillip Bush plays Pilgrimage at the Georgia Music Teachers Association 2017 Conference, where he is a Conference Artist this year.  Berry College in Rome, Georgia on November 3rd.

Phillip Bush plays 'Pilgrimage' at the University of South Carolina

October 27, 2017

Pianist Phillip Bush plays Pilgrimage again this season in a faculty recital at the University of South Carolina School of Music.  Friday October 27th at 7:30pm.

Fifth House Ensemble plays 'Night Scenes'

October 15, 2017

Chicago's Fifth House Ensemble is carrying Donald Crockett's piano trio, Night Scenes, again this season.  This performance is at the Driehaus Museum, Chicago.

Thornton Edge plays 21st century music for voice

October 4, 2017

Donald Crockett leads USC's new music ensemble, Thornton Edge, in a program devoted to vocal music from the early third millennium.  Featured are Of Being Is A Bird by Augusta Read Thomas, Only the Words Themselves Mean What They Say by Kate Soper, Death Speaks by David Lang, Those Quiet Evenings by Albert Behar, and carpet of flowers/for the first time today by Tamzin Elliott.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm.

Steven Stucky Tribute

October 1, 2017

Pianist Gloria Cheng will perform a set of tributes to Steven Stucky written by a host of composers close to him, including Donald Crockett's Nella Luce; Gloria and pianist Xak Bjerken will also perform works by the late composer, and dear friend, in this invitation-only event to raise funds for the Steven Stucky New Music Residency Campaign, hosted by the Cornell University Department of Music.  October 1 at 5pm in the home studio of Nancy and Mike Mooslin.

Bennington Chamber Music Conference

July 23 - August 13, 2017

Donald Crockett returns for his sixteenth season as Senior Composer in Residence with the Bennington Chamber Music Conference at Bennington College, Vermont, where he will work with Resident Composers Marc Mellits, Harold Meltzer and Susan Botti, Composition Fellows, CMC participants and performance faculty.  He will also present a seminar, 'Composing String Quartets,' on Thursday August 10.  Visit cmceast.org for details of the 2017 conference.

Atlantic Music Festival

July 18 - 24, 2017

Donald Crockett returns to the Atlantic Music Festival, where he will be teaching AMF composition students and coaching AMF fellows in performances of his music.

Caramoor Festival commission for a new string quartet for the Argus Quartet

July 14, 2017

The Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts has commissioned Donald Crockett for a new string quartet, String Quartet No. 4 'Traveling Symphony,' on behalf of the Argus Quartet, Caramoor's 2016-17 Ernst Stiefel String Quartet-in-Residence. The new quartet will be premiered at Caramoor's 2017 Summer Season on the evening of July 14.

Dance Concerto at MoMA Summergarden

July 9, 2017

Joel Sachs leads the New Juilliard Ensemble in the New York premiere of Donald Crockett's Dance Concerto for Clarinet/Bass Clarinet and Eight Instruments at the Museum of Modern Art's Summergarden series, July 9 at 8pm in the Sculpture Garden.

ACE at the Aspen Music Festival

June 25 - July 16, 2017

Donald Crockett returns to the Aspen Music Festival and School in Summer 2017 to lead the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE) for the first three weeks of the festival in concerts and reading sessions. ACE performs on the weekly Chamber Music concerts in Harris Hall at 4pm.
July 1 - 'Polish Folk Songs' by Lee Hyla
July 8 - 'Whistling in the Dark' by Donald Crockett
July 15 - 'Ophelia Dances Book I' by Oliver Knussen
* * * * *
July 6 - 'Nachtlieder' by Esa-Pekka Salonen on the Aspen Chapel Chamber Music Series 4:15 pm

'Fanfare Studies' featured on Thibaut Garcia international tour

2016 - 2017 season

This season, Guitar Foundation of America 2015 International Competition first prize winner Thibaut Garcia is performing Donald Crockett's Fanfare Studies -  commissioned as the set piece for the competition held in Oklahoma City in June 2015 - on a 60-concert international tour.  Thibaut Garcia's performance of Fanfare Studies at the competition finals was, in a word, phenomenal.  
Over forty concerts are already in the books with venues in Louisville, Cincinnati, Oberlin, St. Louis, Phoenix, New York and Paris, among others. Upcoming concerts include March 25 in Brownsville, Texas, March 28 in Monterrey, Mexico, April 2 in Albany, New York, April 6 in Edmonton, Canada, and April 8 in Calgary.

'Night Scenes' on Fifth House Ensemble's touring season

2016 - 2017 season

Donald Crockett's piano trio, Night Scenes, will be featured in the touring repertory of Chicago's outstanding new music group, Fifth House Ensemble, during its 2016-17 concert season.
Upcoming performances: April 3, Carolina Strings Academy, Aiken, SC; April 8, Elastic Arts in Chicago; April 21, PianoForte in Chicago

Thornton Edge

April 12, 2017

Donald Crockett leads Thornton Edge in music by Malcolm J. Singer (Bush Boogie), and Joan Tower (Noon Dance).  Also on the program is music by Jennifer Higdon and James Matheson. Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm.

'En La Tierra' at Lincoln Center with New York's Riverside Symphony

April 1, 2017

Donald Crockett's guitar concerto, En La Tierra, receives its New York premiere at Alice Tully Hall by the Riverside Symphony and guitarist Robert Belinic, conducted by music director George Rothman.  Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, 8pm. 

Capriccio II with HOCKET at the University of Georgia

March 16, 2017

Visiting Sarah Gibson's home state, HOCKET (Sarah Gibson and Thomas Kotcheff) gives another prestidigitatious performance of Capriccio II, a duo piano concerto in all but name written for and dedicated to HOCKET, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, March 16 at 7:30pm in Ramsey Hall.

Capriccio II with HOCKET at Webster University in St. Louis

March 9, 2017

Capriccio II is again in the sure hands of HOCKET in a featured concert at Webster University in St. Louis.  March 9 at 8pm.

Jeffrey Holmes' Hagall with Thornton Edge

March 1, 2017

Jeffrey Holmes' Hagall for large ensemble, commissioned by New York's Talea Ensemble, will be featured with Thornton Edge, Donald Crockett conducting.  Also on the program is music by Stephen Hartke, Barbara White and Magnus Lindberg.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm.

HOCKET performs Capriccio II

February 24, 2017

Continuing the premiere performance run of Donald Crockett's Capriccio II, the duo composer/pianists Sarah Gibson and Thomas Kotcheff, aka HOCKET, perform this work which was written for them on a concert at UCLA on February 24, hall and time TBD.

Hui Wu plays Pilgrimage at Brand Library

January 28, 2017

Pianist Hui Wu will play Donald Crockett's Pilgrimage in a varied solo program at Brand Library in Glendale, January 28 at 2pm.  Also on the program are works by Bach, Chopin, Stravinsky and Philip Glass.

'Schnee' at Jacaranda

November 19, 2016

Donald Crockett conducts Hans Abrahamsen's hour-long, intricate set of canons for nine players, Schnee, on a Jacaranda series concert on November 19 at 8pm, First Presbyterian Church, Santa Monica.

Thornton Edge plays Julian Anderson's 'Van Gogh Blue'

November 9, 2016

Donald Crockett leads USC's Thornton Edge in a program featuring Julian Anderson's 'Van Gogh Blue.'  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm.

String Quartet No. 3 'Cortege' premieres with Dilijan at Colburn

October 16, 2016

The wonderful Dilijan Chamber Music Series, presented by the Lark Musical Society, has commissioned Donald Crockett for a new string quartet to be premiered in the 2016/17 season on a concert including music by Haydn (Emperor Quartet) and Beethoven (Archduke Trio).  The world premiere of String Quartet No. 3 Cortege will take place on the Dilijan subscription series concert at 3pm on Sunday, October 16 in Zipper Hall of the Colburn School in downtown Los Angeles.

New Music for Orchestra

October 14, 2014

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Symphony in the annual New Music for Orchestra program premiering outstanding Thornton composition students' works.  The program includes music by Peter Shin, Ryan McWilliams, Georgi Dimitrov, Bryan Curt Kostors, Thomas Mellan and Julia Adolphe.  Also featured are the cello quintet out of the Thornton School, Sakura, in Thomas Mellan's ...on transcendence..., and New York Philharmonic principal violist and Thornton alumna, Cynthia Phelps, in a preview performance of Julia Adolphe's Unearth, Release, commissioned by the New York Philharmonic. 

Thornton Edge in music of Joan Tower, Timo Andres, Sean Friar and Harrison Birtwistle

October 5, 2016

Donald Crockett conducts his USC new music ensemble, Thornton Edge, in classic works by Joan Tower (Breakfast Rhythms I and II), and Harrison Birtwistle (Carmen Arcadiae Mechanicae Perpetuum), together with recent music by Timo Andres and Thornton faculty composer, Sean Friar.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm. 

Donald Crockett conducts Jacaranda in Reich's 'Eight Lines' at Disney Hall

October 1, 2016

As part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's new music marathon, Noon to Midnight, on October 1 at Disney Hall, Donald Crockett will lead a Jacaranda ensemble in Steve Reich's Eight Lines.  Walt Disney Concert Hall, 5:30 pm.

Hocket premieres Capriccio II

September 15, 2016

The piano duo Hocket, Sarah Gibson and Thomas Kotcheff, will premiere Donald Crockett's Capriccio II for two pianos, written for Hocket in celebration of the launch of the duo.  The concert also features Stephen Hartke's Sonata for Piano Four Hands.  Newman Recital Hall, USC campus, 7:30 pm.

The Ceiling of Heaven at Bennington

July 30, 2016

The Bennington Chamber Music Conference faculty will perform Donald Crockett's piano quartet, The Ceiling of Heaven, on July 30 at 8 pm in Greenwall Auditorium on the Bennington College campus as part of the Faculty Concert Series.

Donald Crockett returns to the Bennington Chamber Music Conference as Senior Composer in Residence

July 24 - August 14, 2016

Donald Crockett returns for his fifteenth summer as Senior Composer in Residence at the Bennington Chamber Music Conference at Bennington College, Vermont, for three weeks, July 24 - August 14.  In addition to working with Resident Composers Jesse Jones, Sean Friar and Amy Williams, he will work with the composition fellows, coach conference participants, and work with the performance faculty.  

On July 30 at 8:00 pm, the CMC faculty will perform Donald Crockett's piano quartet, 'The Ceiling of Heaven,' in Greenwall Auditorium on the Bennington College campus as part of the Faculty Concert Series.  'The Ceiling of Heaven' was the first Jacob Glick Memorial Commission (2004) from the Bennington Chamber Music Conference.  Other Glick commissions to date are by Gabriela Lena Frank, Paul Moravec and John Fitz Rogers.

'Whistling in the Dark' at Tanglewood Festival of Contemporary Music

July 23, 2016

Donald Crockett's new music ensemble work 'Whistling in the Dark' will be performed at the Tanglewood Festival of Contemporary Music Fromm Concert on July 23 at 2:30 pm in Ozawa Hall. 

Donald Crockett in residence at the Atlantic Music Festival

July 17 - 24, 2016

Donald Crockett will be a resident composer on the faculty at the Atlantic Music Festival July 17 - 24 at Colby College in Maine.  In addition to working with the composition students at the festival, he will give talks about his music, master classes, and hear performances of his works by AMF students.

Donald Crockett conducts the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble in July

June 27 - July 16, 2016

Donald Crockett will be in residence at the Aspen Music Festival this summer, June 27 - July 16, working with the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE) and the composition students. He will conduct ACE in three Saturday concerts at the Festival.

July 2 - Pierre Boulez 'Derives 1' and Timo Andres 'Trade Winds'
July 9 - Julian Anderson 'Van Gogh Blue'
July 16 - Donald Crockett 'to airy thinness beat'

JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Competition

June 6 - 11, 2016

Donald Crockett serves as a judge for the 2016 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Competition in Buffalo, New York.  The finals, with orchestra, take place on Saturday, June 11.

Tracking Inland at Oberlin

May 5, 2016

Conductor Timothy Weiss leads the Oberlin Sinfonietta in a performance of Donald Crockett's Tracking Inland for flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, harp and string quartet.  The performance is at the Oberlin College/Conservatory of Music on the evening of May 5. 

Phillip Bush plays Pilgrimage in NYC

April 18, 2016

Pianist Phillip Bush takes the Pilgrimage program to New York City on April 18, playing in Benzaquen Hall at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music at 7:30 pm.  The program includes Sweelinck's Fantasia in D, Chopin's F minor Fantasy, Dutilleux's 1948 Sonata, and Pilgrimage.

Phillip Bush plays Pilgrimage at Cornell

April 17, 2016

Pianist Phillip Bush will play Donald Crockett's virtuosic solo piano work, Pilgrimage, in a concert in Barnes Hall at Cornell University on April 17 at 2:00 pm.  The program also includes music by Sweelinck, Chopin and Dutilleux. 

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge

April 13, 2016

In the final concert of the 2015/16 season, Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge in a program featuring music from composers, including dear friends, who have recently left us.  The program includes David Stock's Quick Opener, Pierre Boulez's Notations, and Steven Stucky's The Stars and The Roses.  Also on the program is music by George Crumb and Sofia Gubiadulina.  The concert is in Newman Recital Hall on the USC campus on April 13 at 7:30 pm.

Donald Crockett and Christopher Rountree conduct Edge and WildUp on Visions and Voices at USC

March 2, 2016

In a concert about Art and Activism, Thornton Edge and wildUp collaborate on a concert of politically engaged music conducted by the directors of the two ensembles, Donald Crockett and Christopher Rountree.  The concert is in Newman Recital Hall on the USC campus on March 2 at 7:30 pm.

Donald Crockett conducts Ades and Barry at Jacaranda concerts.

January 30, 2016

Donald Crockett conducts works by Thomas Ades and Gerald Barry on the Jacaranda concert series in Santa Monica on January 30.

Wet Ink by Musiqa in Houston

January 9, 2016

Donald Crockett's Wet Ink for violin and piano will be performed by Houston's new music ensemble, Musiqa, at the MATCH Theater in Houston on January 9.

'Daglarym/My Mountains' performed and recorded by C4 in New York City.

November 19 and 21, 2015

The New York-based vocal ensemble, C4, will reprise Donald Crockett's Daglarym/My Mountains in two concerts in New York City on November 19 and 21.  Following these concerts, the ensemble will record the piece for their second album.

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge at Newman Recital Hall

November 11, 2015

Donald Crockett leads USC Thornton Edge in a program featuring music by George Crumb, Kaija Saariaho, Mark Anthony Turnage, and a world premiere by Cengiz Eren.  7:30 pm in Newman Recital Hall on the USC campus.

Composition Forum and master classes at Oberlin

November 2 - 3, 2015

Donald Crockett will be at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music presenting his music at the Composition Studio Class, and give masterclasses and lessons to Conservatory composition students. 

Residency at Cleveland Institute of Music

October 29 - November 2, 2015

Donald Crockett will be Guest Composer with the New Music Ensemble at Cleveland Institute of Music, and work with students in masterclasses and lessons, October 29 - November 2.  The New Music Ensemble concert on Sunday, November 1 will feature three Crockett works, 'Whistling in the Dark,' 'to be sung on the water,' and 'to airy thinness beat.'  The soloist in 'to airy thinness beat' will be CIM faculty violist, Kirsten Docter.

Donald Crockett conducts New Music for Orchestra at USC Thornton

October 16, 2015

Donald Crockett conducts the annual New Music for Orchestra concert with the USC Thornton Symphony on Friday, October 16, 7:30 pm in Bovard Auditorium on the USC campus.  Over the years, Crockett has conducted over 125 world premieres of orchestral music by talented Thornton student composers.  Many of the works have gone on to win awards, commissions and subscription performances around the nation.

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge at Newman Recital Hall

October 7, 2015

Donald Crockett conducts his outstanding student ensemble, Thornton Edge, on the USC campus Wednesday, October 7 in Newman Recital Hall.  The program includes music by Kurt Rohde, Hannah Lash, Oliver Knussen, Steven Stucky, and a bit of early music - Stravinsky's Septet from 1953.

Ceiling of Heaven in Boulder

October 2, 2015

Donald Crockett's Ceiling of Heaven will be performed by Charles Wetherbee and friends at the Academy, Boulder CO. Written for piano quartet, the title is inpired by a line from a Kenneth Rexroth poem - "...the hawks scream, playing together on the ceiling of heaven" - Signature of All Things. Ceiling of Heaven was Jointly commissioned by Bennington Chamber Music Conference, Los Angeles County Museum of Arts and Xtet. 

Whistling in the Dark at Oberlin

September 25, 2015

Donald Crockett's Whistling in the Dark for mixed chamber ensemble will be performed by the Oberlin New Music Ensemble, conducted by Timothy Weiss. The piece evokes a series of dystopian dance-like scenes at the end of the world. Whistling in the Dark was commissioned by the California Ear Unit in 1999 and has been performed throughout the US including at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. 

Blue Earth CD released by BMOP/sound

May, 2015

Donald Crockett's new orchestral CD, Blue Earth, was recently released by BMOP/sound.  The recording opens with a virtuosic overture titled Wedge, inspired by the infamous wave break on the West Coast. Viola Concerto  a highly colourful and evocative work, features soloist Kate Vincent with concertino (Firebird Ensemble) and orchestra. The title work of Blue Earth in an expansive sinfonia concertante for full orchestra. All performances by Gil Rose (conductor) and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.  Blue Earth is now available on Amazon and at bmop.org.

Bennington Chamber Music Conference

July 26 - August 16, 2015

Donald Crockett returns to the Bennington Chamber Music Conference in July and August, where he serves as Senior Composer-in-Residence, working with Resident Composers Kurt Rohde, Hannah Lash and Dan Visconti, Composition Fellows and the faculty and participants of the conference which is now in its 69th summer.

'Fanfare Studies' at the Guitar Foundation of America international competition

June 22 - 26, 2015

Commissioned by the Guitar Foundation of America, Donald Crockett's 'Fanfare Studies' is the 2015 new work played by all contestants at the GFA International Competition held in Oklahoma City during June 22 - 26.  The winner of the competition will play Fanfare Studies on tour internationally as part of the first prize award.  In addition, Donald Crockett will conduct the Festival Orchestra in a concert of guitar concertos on Friday, June 26 at 8 pm.

'NIght Scenes' at the Smithsonian American Art Museum

June 14, 2015

Donald Crockett's 'Night Scenes' for piano trio will be featured on a concert at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art with Lina Bahn, violin, Tobias Werner, cello, and Lura Johnson, piano.

'Roethke Preludes' at Northwestern

May 2, 2015

Donald Crockett's Roethke Preludes for orchestra will be performed by the Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra, Robert Hasty, conductor, on Saturday evening, May 2.

Xtet at LACMA 50th Anniversary concert

April 29, 2015

Donald Crockett conducts Stravinsky's Septet with Xtet at the 50th Anniversary concert at the LA County Museum of Art, Bing Theater, April 29 at 7:30 pm.

Whistling in the Dark with with University of Wisconsin Contemporary Chamber Ensemble

March 21, 2015

As part of the University of Wisconsin's George Crumb Festival, March 20-23, the UW Contemporary Chamber Ensemble will perform Donald Crockett's Whistling in the Dark on Saturday, March 21 at 8pm.  Also on the program is music by George Crumb and Cindy Cox.

'to be sung on the water' at Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Westside Connections

March 19, 2015

Donald Crockett's duo for violin and viola, 'to be sung on the water,' will be featured in a Westside Connections concert of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, curated by concertmaster Margaret Batjer.  The performance will feature principal LACO players Sarah Thornblade, violin, and Roland Kato, viola.  The concert is at 7:30pm at the Moss Theater at New Roads School.  Visit laco.org for further information.

'to airy thinness beat' with Meredith Treaster at UMKC

March 12, 2015

Donald Crockett will be in residence at the University of Missouri-Kansas City during the week of March 9 - 13, conducting the UMKC Musica Nova in 'to airy thinness beat' with soloist, Meredith Treaster, and giving masterclasses and a composition forum on his music. 

USC Thornton Edge at Newman Recital Hall

March 4, 2015

Donald Crockett conducts Thornton Edge in music by Stephen Hartke, Lee Hyla and Judith Weir.  Music for guitar and percussion by George Crumb rounds out the program.  The concert is at 7:30 pm in Newman Recital Hall on the USC campus.

USC Thornton Edge at Newman Recital Hall

April 15, 2015

Donald Crockett conducts USC Thornton Edge new music ensemble in a concert featuring music by Jonathan Harvey, Frederick Lesemann, Pierre Jalbert and Stephen Hartke in Newman Recital Hall on the USC campus.  The concert is at 7:30 pm.

Dance Concerto for Clarinet/Bass Clarinet and Wind Ensemble

February 27, 2015

University of Maryland

Clarinetist Paul Cigan, who played the world premiere of Dance Concerto in the 8 instrument version with 21st Century Consort and conductor Christopher Kendall at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in April 2013, performs the piece with the University of Maryland Wind Ensemble, Michael Votta, conductor.
 

'Zones duet' from The Face at David St. John's Distinguished Writers event at USC

February 25, 2015

A dramatic duet from The Face, an opera by Donald Crockett and David St. John, will be performed at the Provost's Distinguished Writers Series event featuring poet David St. John.  The performers are Katherine Beck, soprano, Jonathan Mack, tenor, and guitarist Brian Head; David St. John will read this poem, among other works, and music by Frank Ticheli and Chris Sampson will also be featured.  This USC Visions and Voices event is at 6:30 pm in Doheny Library on the USC campus. 

Scree at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music

February 15, 2015

Pasadena Conservatory of Music faculty members Nic Gerpe, Yuri Inoo and Rebecca Merblum perform Donald Crockett's 'Scree' for cello, piano and percussion on a fundraising gala at the Conservatory on Sunday, February 15.  The concert is at 4pm.

Dance Concerto for Clarinet/Bass Clarinet and Wind Ensemble

December 3, 2014

Ithaca College, Ford Hall

Clarinetist Richard Faria joins the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble and conductor Steve Peterson in a performance of Donald Crockett's Dance Concerto at Ithaca College's Ford Hall at 8:15 pm.
 

Dance Concerto for Clarinet/Bass Clarinet and Wind Ensemble

November 20, 2014

University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Kevin Geraldi leads a consortium premiere performance of Dance Concerto with the University of North Carolina, Greensboro Wind Ensemble, Anthony Taylor, clarinet soloist.
 

Donald Crockett conducts New Music for Orchestra at USC Thornton

October 23, 2014

Bovard Auditorium, USC campus 7:30 pm

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Symphony in the annual New Music for Orchestra concert featuring premieres of orchestral works by outstanding Thornton composition students.  Under the direction of Donald Crockett, NMO  has premiered over 125 orchestral works in the past quarter century, many of which have gone on to receive major performances and prizes nationwide.  The concert is on Thursday, October 23 at 7:30 pm in Bovard Auditorium on the USC campus.
 

Whistling in the Dark with Thornton Edge at USC

October 1, 2014

Newman Recital Hall, USC Campus 7:30 pm

Donald Crockett leads USC Thornton Edge in a repeat of the Carlsbad Festival concert on September 20.  The concert is in USC's Newman Recital Hall at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, October 1.
 

Whistling in the Dark with Thornton Edge at Carlsbad

September 20, 2014

Carlsbad Music Festival, 4pm

Donald Crockett conducts USC Thornton Edge at Matt McBane's Carlsbad Music Festival in a program including Sean Friar's 'In the Blue,' Andrew Norman's 'Farnsworth: Four Portraits of a House,' Ted Hearne's 'crispy gentlemen,' David Lang's 'Increase,' and his own 'Whistling in the Dark.'  The concert is at 4pm at the festival's Main Stage, the Carlsbad Village Theater.
 

Donald Crockett in residence at Bennington Chamber Music Conference

July 25 - August 17, 2014

Bennington College, Vermont

Donald Crockett returns to the Bennington Chamber Music Conference as Senior Composer in Residence for summer 2014.  He will supervise the Composers' Forum activities and work with Resident Composers Ted Hearne, Sean Shepherd and Laura Schwendinger, and the 2014 Composition Fellows.  His work for oboe and string quartet, Celestial Mechanics, will be performed on the Faculty Artist Series on July 26.
 

'Celestial Mechanics' at the Bennington Chamber Music Conference

July 26, 2014

Bennington College, Vermont

The Faculty Artist Series of the Bennington Chamber Music Conference will present Donald Crockett's 'Celestial Mechanics' for oboe and string quartet, featuring stellar faculty of the Conference.  The concert is at 8pm in Bennington College's Greenwall Auditorium.
 

'to airy thinness beat' at MoMA

July 6, 2014

Museum of Modern Art, New York City

The opening concert of MoMA's Summergarden concert series on July 6 features Donald Crockett's 'to airy thinness beat' in a performance by Joel Sachs and members of the New Juilliard Ensemble.
 

Brian Head plays 'The Falcon's Eye' at Monk Space

April 29, 2014

Monk Space, downtown Los Angeles

Guitarist Brian Head offers a concert of new and recent music for guitar, including selections from Donald Crockett's set of preludes, 'The Falcon's Eye'.  The concert is at 8pm at Monk Space, 4414 W 2nd Street, Los Angeles 90004.
 

Blue Earth with BMOP

March 28, 2014

Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, Boston

Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose, conductor, presents Blue Earth for orchestra on a program with Steven Stucky's first Concerto for Orchestra.  The concert is at 8pm.  Visit bmop.org for more details.
 

Blue Earth recording sessions with BMOP

March 29-30, 2014

Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, Boston

The Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose, conductor, will record Blue Earth for an all-Crockett CD upcoming on BMOP Sound.  Support for this project comes from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music.
 

Residency at New England Conservatory

March 26 - April 1, 2014

New England Conservatory

Donald Crockett will be in residence at the New England Conservatory Composition Department during the BMOP performance and recording of Blue Earth, presenting master classes and colloquia on his music.
 

Thornton Edge new music

March 5, 2014

Newman Recital Hall, USC campus

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Edge new music ensemble in works by Don Freund, Frederick Lesemann, Jordan Nelson, Jonathan Harvey and Donald Crockett.  7:30 pm, Newman Recital Hall on the USC campus.
 

The Cinnamon Peeler

March 5, 2014

Newman Recital Hall, USC campus

Thornton Edge new music ensemble presents Donald Crockett's The Cinnamon Peeler, featuring mezzo soprano Victoria Fox and conducted by the composer.  7:30 pm Newman Recital Hall, USC campus.
 

New Music for Orchestra

February 27, 2014

Bovard Auditorium, USC campus

Donald Crockett conducts the USC Thornton Symphony in its annual New Music for Orchestra concert featuring five new works by Thornton student composers.  Donald Crockett has premiered over 125 new works leading NMO over the past 25 years.
 

Dance Concerto

February 9, 2014

Bovard Auditorium, USC campus

H. Robert Reynolds conducts the world premiere of Dance Concerto in this version for Clarinet/Bass Clarinet and Wind Ensemble.  This will be the first premiere performance in a consortium of 22 wind ensembles around the country, with USC Thornton Wind Ensemble as the lead member of the consortium.  Stefan Van Sant is the soloist.  The concert is at 4pm.
 

Bogliasco Residency

November 20 - December 20, 2013

Bogliasco, Italy

Donald Crockett will be in residence at the Liguria Study Center of the Bogliasco Foundation for a month of creative work as a Fellowship Advisory Committee resident.  He was the Aaron Copland Fellow at Bogliasco in 2006 and is now on the fellowship advisory committee for the Bogliasco Foundation.
 

Composition Forum at University of Arizona

October 14, 2013

University of Arizona, Tucson

Donald Crockett will present his Viola Concerto and opera, The Face, as guest speaker on Dan Asia's Composition Forum series at the University of Arizona.
 

Bennington Chamber Music Conference

July 28-August 18, 2013

Bennington College, Vermont

Donald Crockett will return to the Bennington Chamber Music Conference as Senior Composer-in-Residence, where he will work with Resident Composers Caroline Mallonee, Jeffrey Mumford and John Fitz Rogers, composition fellows, conference faculty and participants in the Composers' Forum activities.
 

American Academy of Arts and Letters Awards Ceremony

May 15, 2013
American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York City

Donald Crockett will receive an Arts and Letters Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters for exceptional artistic achievement as a composer.

Night Scenes

April 22, 2013

UC Davis

Firebird Ensemble performs Night Scenes in residence at UC Davis.

Dance Concerto for Clarinet and Eight Instruments

April 20, 2013

World premiere.  Co-commissioned by Frank Hudson and 21st Century Consort                
Paul Cigan, clarinet and bass clarinet
21st Century Consort, Christopher Kendall, conductor
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C., 5pm

USC Thornton Contemporary Music Ensemble

April 17, 2013

Donald Crockett, music director and conductor
music by Stephen Hartke and Frank Ticheli
University of Southern California, Los Angeles

USC Thornton Contemporary Music Ensemble

March 6, 2013

Donald Crockett, conductor
music by Stephen Hartke and Frederick Lesemann

New Music for Orchestra

February 28, 2013

USC Thornton Symphony
Donald Crockett, conductor
new orchestral music by USC student composers

Viola Concerto recording

February 18, 2013

Merrimack College

Kate Vincent, viola
Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose, conductor
BMOP Sound

Viola Concerto

February 15, 2013

Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory, Boston

World premiere.  Commissioned by JFNMC
Kate Vincent, viola
Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose, conductor

Wet Ink

February 3, 2013

Pasadena Conservatory of Music

The Panic Duo repeats Wet Ink in a concert of American music at the Pasadena Conservatory.

Wet Ink

February 1, 2013

Thayer Hall, Colburn School, Los Angeles

The Panic Duo - Nic Gerpe, piano and Pasha Tseitlin, violin, perform Wet Ink on a concert of American music.

Night Scenes (piano trio)

January 15, 2013
members of Firebird Ensemble: Gabriela Diaz, violin; David Russell, cello; Sarah Bob, piano
New Gallery Series, Boston

USC Thornton Contemporary Music Ensemble

November 19, 2012

Donald Crockett, conductor
music by Joan Tower, Dai Fujikura and Stephen Hartke

Night Scenes

November 7, 2012
Susan Waterbury, violin; Elizabeth Simkin, cello; Xak Bjerken, piano
Ithaca College Faculty Music Series, Ithaca, New York

The Cinnamon Peeler (mezzo soprano and ensemble)

October 23, 2012
Mary Nessinger, mezzo soprano
Sequitur
McGill University, Montreal

Night Scenes

October 14, 2012
Ensemble X
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

USC Thornton Contemporary Music Ensemble

October 8

Donald Crockett, conductor
music by David Dzubay, Lukas Foss and Stephen Hartke

to airy thinness beat

September 27, 2012

Chamber Concerto for Viola and 6 Instruments
Edward Gazouleas, viola
Indiana University New Music Ensemble, David Dzubay, conductor
Bloomington, Indiana
composition residency September 25 - 28

Wedge (orchestra)

September 17, 2012

recording session
Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Gil Rose, conductor
Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, Boston

The Face (opera)

August 31, 2012

Daniel Norman, tenor; Thomas Meglioranza, baritone; Jane Sheldon, soprano; Janna Baty, mezzo soprano
Firebird Ensemble, Gil Rose, conductor
concert performance, Boston Conservatory, Boston

More information: www.thefaceopera.com

The Face (opera)

August 25, 27 and 28, 2012

world premiere performances
co-commissioned by Patricia Wylde and Firebird Ensemble
Japan America Theatre, Los Angeles
Daniel Norman, tenor; Thomas Meglioranza, baritone; Jane Sheldon, soprano; Janna Baty, mezzo soprano
Kate Vincent, producer
Yano Iatrides, stage director
Gil Rose, music director and conductor
Laurent Schneegans, lighting designer
Brian Head, guitar
Firebird Ensemble

More information: www.thefaceopera.com

Monday Evening Concerts

March 26, 2012

Donald Crockett, conductor
music by Stefan Wolpe
Zipper Hall, Colburn School, Los Angeles

Viola Concerto

February 15, 2013
World premiere.  Commissioned by JFNMC
Kate Vincent, viola
Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose, conductor
Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, Boston

New Music for Orchestra

February 28, 2013
USC Thornton Symphony
Donald Crockett, conductor
new orchestral music by USC student composers

USC Thornton Contemporary Music Ensemble

April 17, 2013

Donald Crockett, music director and conductor
music by Stephen Hartke and Frank Ticheli
University of Southern California, Los Angeles

Dance Concerto for Clarinet and Eight Instruments

April 20, 2013
World premiere.  Co-commissioned by Frank Hudson and 21st Century Consort                
Paul Cigan, clarinet and bass clarinet
21st Century Consort, Christopher Kendall, conductor
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C.

USC Thornton Contemporary Music Ensemble

March 6, 2013

Donald Crockett, conductor
music by Stephen Hartke and Frederick Lesemann