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:
Livre des Sauvages (2012) for large ensemble
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
O Death (2005–07) for 2 saxophones, trombone, percussion, piano, and electric guitar
For more information and sound samples, please visit www.oscarbettison.com
Looking Ahead: On September 17, Talea Ensemble gives the European premiere of Bettison’s La Arqueología del Neón at the Poland’s International Festival of Contemporary Music. “Warsaw Autumn.”
“It’s not that refinement is a bad thing. But there are times when it can get in the way.”
—Oscar Bettison
