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composer

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Griffin Candey is an American composer whose works have been praised for their "charming and elaborate complexity" and their "lyricism and emotional depth."

Recent outings include songs for soprano Tamara Wilson (Thundercloud Over Half Dome,) a TTBB song cycle (Protocol) for Cantus Vocal Ensemble, and new viola and violin works (No Half Measures and It's Lighter Than You Think) for consortiums in the US and abroad. Upcoming premieres include a work for saxophonist Timothy McAllister and pianist Liz Ames for their forthcoming album, a chamber cello concerto (Facsimile,) co-commissioned by New Music Detroit, Chicago's CHAI Collaborative Ensemble, and Sacramento's Citywater, a viola concerto (Plein Air) for the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, a chamber quartet (Sugar) for the American Wild Ensemble, and a second string quartet (City Body) for the Michigan-based Tuuli Quartet.

A tireless advocate for American opera, Candey currently serves as composer-in-residence with Cleveland Opera Theatre, who will premiere his adaptation of Lorca's The House of Bernarda Alba (with librettist Caridad Svich) in February 2021. His previous operas—especially Sweets by Kate—have been performed with theaters and universities across the country, including Boston University's 2017 Fringe Fest, Fort Worth Opera's Frontiers Festival, and at New York's iconic Stonewall Inn.

Candey is currently earning his DMA in Composition at the University of Michigan, studying with Dr. Kristin Kuster.

Full resume and CV can be found here.

"Griffin is one of the young musicians currently

giving me hope for the future of our art."

— Ann Moss, soprano

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