Oscar Bettison
• Works explore boundaries of classical and rock, pitch and noise, convention and invention
• Many works embrace electro-acoustic elements and industrial sonorities
• Writes for existing instruments with creative and re-imagined roles, as well as "Cinderella" instruments (invented instruments made from found materials)
• "An unconventional lyricism and a menacing beauty" (WNYC Soundcheck)
• Commissions include Los Angeles Philharmonic, MusikFabrik, So Percussion, Ensemble Klang, Bang on a Can All Stars, London Sinfonietta,the BBC, Oregon Symphony, Alarm Will Sound, and New World Symphony
• Awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship in 2017
• Composition Faculty at Peabody Institute since 2009
Works by Oscar Bettison include:
O Death (2005–07) for 2 saxophones, trombone, percussion, piano, and electric guitar
B+E (with aggravated assault) (2006) for bass clarinet, percussion, piano, electric guitar, violin, and cello
Gauze Vespers (2007) for clarinet, percussion, piano, violin, and cello
Livre des Sauvages (2012) for large ensemble
For more information and sound samples, please visit www.oscarbettison.com
Looking Ahead: World premiere of On the slow weather of dreams with Asko|Schoenberg Ensemble (Sep 4)
“It’s not that refinement is a bad thing. But there are times when it can get in the way.”
—Oscar Bettison
