bio








Described as "an unabashedly expressive composer," (New Yorker) John has created music for concert, opera, dance, and theater. His chamber opera New Arrivals was praised by Broadway World as an "intricate and intriguing score that is easy to lose yourself in emotionally." He has received commissions from organizations including Houston Grand Opera, New York Youth Symphony, Milwaukee Opera Theater, American Conservatory Theater, Amber Sloan Dance Co., Crossman Danc(s)e, the Five Boroughs Music Festival, and Ensemble Meme.

John has received numerous awards, fellowships and grants for his music from organizations including New Music USA, Meet The Composer, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Cambodia Living Arts, Cherry Valley Artworks, and Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Recent projects include Milwaukee Opera Theater's commission of Lucy with librettist Kelley Rourke for baritone Andrew Wilkowske and REDSHIFT (developed by American Opera Projects and Nautilus Music Theater), and Voice of the Body for multi-tracked voice and dancers at The Yard for Amber Sloan Dance Co. and tenor Tomas Cruz. Upcoming premieres include the multimedia work Snow created with choreographer and puppeteer Jordan Morley for toy-pianist Phyllis Chen and American Gothic, a new work for bass-baritone Davonne Tines and Canite Quartet with librettist Kelley Rourke. His recent song cycle Natural Systems, written for the New York Youth Symphony and Evan Hughes with text by Rourke, was described as a "vivid score ranging from energetic swirls to a gentle, enigmatic conclusion." (New York Times).

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