Current Projects
Solo Concerto and orchestra
Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Riccardo Muti, Zell Music Director.
Project Highlights:
- Details to be announced!
- World Premiere planned for the 2018/19 Season.
Concerto For Low Brass
A unique project, this concerto will be written for the entire low brass section with orchestra. The work will be premiered by the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Osmo Vanska.
Project Highlights:
- Soloists, Minnesota Orchestra trombone and tuba section.
- Premiere: June, 2018
- Commissioned as a crowd-funded project, led by D. Wilson Ochoa – in memory of good friend Bill Zehfuss.
News
Stephenson wins William D. Revelli Award
We are pleased to announce that the winner of the 2017 William D. Revelli Composition Contest is Symphony No. 2 “Voices” by James Stephenson. The National Band Association William D. Revelli Composition Contest, sponsored by KHS America, is designed to recognize outstanding compositions that help further the cause of quality literature for bands in America. ... Read more
Read MoreChicago Symphony Announces New Commission by Jim Stephenson
Very excited to officially announce that I will be writing a new bass trombone concerto for Charlie Vernon, to be premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Riccardo Muti. June 13-15, 2019. https://cso.org/ticketsandevents/production-details-2018-19/chicago-symphony-orchestra/muti-conducts-american-paris-tchaikovsky/?perfNo=9314
Read MoreRecent Releases
Upcoming Conducting Engagements
As a conductor, Jim offers a wide variety of options, that can lead to more efficient rehearsal and intimate collaboration. Whether premiering a new orchestral work, or directing several works in a festival/college-residency setting, or simply leading a non-Stephenson program, he offers a composer’s insight that otherwise might go untapped, creating a rewarding experience for both performers and audience-members.
Additionally, with his experience and large catalog as an arranger, you can have Jim conduct your themed Pops concert, and bring all of his own arrangements/original works, making for a complete package deal!
Upcoming Residencies
Increasingly in demand as a college guest lecturer, Jim has appeared at many colleges and universities across the United States, where he presents talks, master-classes, coachings, and lessons in group or individual settings.
In recent years, these appearances include Ball State University, Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Kennesaw State University, North Dakota State University, SUNY-Fredonia, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, University of Michigan, University of North Texas, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and Wyoming University.
Residencies are tailored to each institution’s needs but they commonly entail the following:
- Conducting the organization’s ensemble(s)
- Masterclasses/lectures with students
- Public/private events with donors and/or board members
- Pre/Post concert talks, engagement
- Private composition lessons (may require additional fees)
Stephenson will work with the chamber ensembles and symphony orchestra on several of his works, including "Ode to Peace" and "Celestial Suite". Conducted by Paul Polivnick More about Ode to Peace More about Celestial Suite
Stephenson to be inaugural composer-in-residence at NCEAS - a new program where he will interact with scientists to gather inspiration for a chamber work to be premiered at Music Academy of the West in 2019.