STEPHENSON James

Bio

« Since becoming a full-time composer in 2007, I have been fortunate to have had a steady stream of commissions and projects, keeping me always on task and, luckily, in demand. Stemming from my days as a professional trumpeter in the Naples (FL) Philharmonic, I have endeavored to be a “performer’s composer” – always remaining sensitive to the needs of those who are on stage making the music happen.  Chicago Symphony clarinetist John Yeh has playfully called me  “The Concerto King”, and I am happy to admit that my catalog does include a concerto, and sonata, for nearly every symphonic instrument, with more being added every year.

A notable characteristic I try to infuse in my music is rhythmic momentum, as well as colorful scoring and orchestration,  whether for instruments of the same timbre, or in mixed chamber settings.  For me, this is the playground, and I absolutely love this part of the process.

I will always cherish and hold in high esteem the musical giants of the past, in addition to adding my own modern sensitivities, so as to try to give my music a blend of familiarity and new discovery all at once. With this, I hope to lead audiences and performers on a journey of both anticipation and reward. » J. STEPHENSON