Finale
All elements work together to form music! F E AT U R E D W O R K
Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Atlanta, composer Carlos Simon has written music of many styles, from large and small ensembles to film scores influenced by jazz, Gospel, and neo-romanticism. He was recently named as one of the recipients for the 2021 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, which recognizes extraordinary classical Black and Latinx musicians. Highly sought-after as a composer, he has been asked to compose music for some of the country’s largest orchestras. Simon’s musical career started when he was just 10 years old. His father was a pastor at a church and his parents decided that Simon would play the piano for their services. Shortly after, he began writing music for services and teaching it to the congregation.
FUN FACTS • Simon often begins composing his pieces through improvisation which allows his ideas to flow freely. • He grew up listening to and playing Gospel church music first. In fact, his parents only allowed him to listen to Gospel music; anything else was forbidden!
Fate Now Conquers* *Performed on virtual concert only
Carlos
Simon
BORN: April 13, 1986, in Washington, D.C.