Alex Barsom

Alex Barsom is a Coptic-American composer whose music synthesizes disparate influences to create a sonic representation of his upbringing. With a uniquely personal collision of sounds from electronic music, Arabic music and Coptic chant, Alex’s pieces have won him recognition in both national and international competitions, and his affinity for vocal music has earned him commissions from numerous vocalists. He has received a commission and fellowship at the Impulse New Music Festival, and recently, his solo cello piece, “Wail On,” was selected as a winner in SOLI Chamber Ensembles’ 30x30x30 project. His music has been performed at Tribeca New Music Festival and Boston Troubadours’ inaugural concert. He also had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists such as Dogs of Desire, JACK Quartet, Orchestra Senzaspine and the Carpe Diem String Quartet at Chigiana Academy, Yarn/Wire Ensemble and Aperture Duo. Alex completed his Master’s degree in composition at Mannes College of Music where he studied primarily with Christopher Cerrone, along with Mary Kouyoumdjian, Nathan Davis and Gelsey Bell. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at UCLA, where he studied with Richard Danielpour, Kay Rhie, David Lefkowitz and Ian Krouse. He now lives and works in Brooklyn, NY, composing, teaching, and performing.