Jim Stephenson

Biography

Jim Stephenson’s music has been described as “astonishingly inventive” (Musical America). Foremost in his style is the ability to create music that resonates with musicians and audiences alike.  Since becoming a full-time composer in 2007, he has enjoyed premieres in all walks of the musical landscape, including The Chicago Symphony (Muti), San Francisco Ballet, Boston Pops, and “The President’s Own” US Marine Band. The latter premiered his “Fanfare for Democracy” at the Inauguration of President Joe Biden.

Other orchestras premiering Stephenson’s works include the Minnesota Orchestra (twice), St. Louis Symphony, Houston Symphony, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, and many others. The one-act comedy opera, Cåraboo – “the true story of a false princess” – premiered in June, 2023, marking his first foray into the world of opera. Upcoming projects include his fifth symphony, and a new ballet scored for The Joffrey Ballet.

His award-winning catalog currently contains four symphonies (the 2nd being performed over 50 times around the world), and concertos and sonatas written for nearly every instrument, with premieres having been presented by renowned musicians across the globe. Using music to tell a story is a foremost and recent passion, fueling his growing catalog in opera and ballet. His educational work for young audiences, “Once Upon a Symphony”, is also indicative of that, having received nearly 400 performances world-wide.

A conductor as well, Stephenson has led orchestras such as the Traverse City Philharmonic, the Chattanooga Symphony, Boston Pro Arte, and symphonies of Modesto, Southwest Florida, Bozeman, among others. He recently had his conducting debuts at the New England Conservatory (his alma mater), and the Oregon Ballet Theatre.

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.

– Jim Stephenson