Season 5 The James Stephenson Episode: The Life of a Composer Today

It is exciting to speak to another musician with whom I have more in common that usual. not only are we both alumni of both Interlochen Arts Academy and New England Conservatory of Music but I find in his music a similar attraction to musical language and style.  This episode is one that I crafted out of our initial audio discussion, trying to incorporate into the episode many examples of Jim Stephenson's prodigious production.  As always my reasoning is many layered.  I want to introduce Stephenson’s music to the widest possible audience of course but I also wanted to hear in his own words how he sees music, for example how deeply it is rooted in his many years as a working and professional trumpeter, and how what he composes is unafraid to connect with and touch the listener.  Luckily for me he is a most articulate guest on where contemporary classical music is today as well as its history.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as we enjoyed being able to take the time to get inside the music. Links to Jim’s Beautiful Music  Website: https://composerjim.com/composer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/composerjim/?hl=en Works: https://composerjim.com/works/ https://www.cedillerecords.org/artists/james-m-stephenson/ Media, Reviews : https://composerjim.com/about/media-kit/ More about Jim Leading American orchestras, instrumentalists, and wind ensembles around the world have performed the music of Chicago based composer James M. Stephenson, both to critical acclaim and the delight of audiences.  The Boston Herald raved about “straightforward, unabashedly beautiful sounds,” suggesting “Stephenson deserves to be heard again and again!” A formal sense of melody and tonality characterize his works, each embedded in a contemporary soundscape. These qualities, coupled with the composer’s keen ability to write to each occasion, have led to a steady stream of commissions and ongoing projects. James M. Stephenson came late to his full-time composing career, having first earned a degree from the New England Conservatory in trumpet performance, and then going on to perform for 17 seasons in the Naples Philharmonic in Florida. The composer is largely self-taught and presents a musical voice that is truly individual. Colleagues and friends encouraged his earliest efforts and enthusiasm followed from all directions. As his catalog grew, so did his reputation. That catalog now boasts concertos and sonatas for nearly every instrument, earning him the moniker “The Concerto King” from Chicago Symphony clarinetist John Yeh. With such prolific output, Stephenson’s music is well represented in recordings. Nearly all of his solo brass works (over 50) have been professionally recorded, and in total, his extensive catalog for all instruments can be heard on over 30 CDs. James Stephenson is also a highly sought-after arranger and conductor, rounding out his constantly busy schedule. His arrangements have been  performed/recorded/broadcast by virtually every major orchestra in the country, including the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, New York Pops, and more. Jim originally hails from the Greater Chicago area, as does his wife Sally. In 2007 the couple, along with their four children, returned to the region to pursue the life they now share.be heard on over 30 CDs. James Stephenson is also a highly sought-after arranger and conductor, rounding out his constantly busy schedule. Jim originally hails from the Greater Chicago area, as does his wife Sally. In 2007 the couple, along with their four children, returned to the region to pursue the life they now share.