Kevin Morse is a composer based in New Brunswick, Canada, where he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at Mount Allison University. He has twice served as Acting Head of Music and currently directs the department’s New Music Creation Lab.
His diverse portfolio includes solo, vocal, and chamber music, several short operas, and works for orchestra. In addition, he has created audio installations and works that incorporate electronic and electro-acoustic elements. Recent compositions include a new work for soprano and viola d’amore composed for the UK’s Sopriola duo, titled In the vastness between us. His composition for choir and orchestra, This is my Canada, was commissioned by the Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. Other projects include Variations on a Fantasia of J.S. Bach for pianist David Rogosin (recording release forthcoming in March 2023) and The Space Between, for string quartet and 8-channel gallery installation in collaboration with printmaker Dan Steeves. His theatrical output includes two short operas commissioned by Toronto’s leading contemporary opera company, Tapestry Opera, and a one-act adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s satirical essay, “A Modest Proposal.”
Kevin Morse’s music is informed by his close partnership with performers during the creation, workshopping, and rehearsal of his compositions. Collaboration with poets, playwrights, and other artists is also an important part of Morse’s practice, which has led him to write new art song and opera, and to explore creative new interdisciplinary projects.
A passionate and committed educator, Kevin Morse was recognized in 2020 with Mount Allison University’s Tucker Teaching Award, the university’s highest recognition of teaching excellence. He regularly teaches courses in Composition & Music Technology, Orchestration, Arranging, and Electronic Music Creation. He also supervises summer student research projects in a wide range of areas relating to composition and contemporary music.
Born and raised in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Kevin Morse travels often and seeks out opportunities to explore new places and meet new people.
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