The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, based in Park Forest, has named Ben Ash as its first composer in residence. Ash was one of three finalists who submitted original works for the orchestra’s Classical Evolve competition. Music Director Stilian Kirov announced the residency on May 8, following performances of works by the three composers and a vote by audience, musicians, and judges’ panel. Ash won with Hraun, a piece based on an Icelandic legend. During the 2018-19 season, he will write three original works to be premiered by the IPO, the first on opening night in October. Ash is a 2014 New York University graduate in music theory and composition. His music has been performed in New York and Seattle and at Maine’s Atlantic Music Festival. He has written the music for several films, including the documentary Coming Out by filmmaker Alden Peters, which won Best Documentary at Festival MIX in Milan, Italy. His commission from the Seattle Youth Symphony, Collide-o-Scope, was performed on March 12, 2017, at Benaroya Hall. He will begin a master’s program in film score composition at the Seattle Film Institute in the fall 2018.
Posted May 18, 2018
