Mark Engebretson

Mark Engebretson (b 1964, Modesto CA), is Associate Professor of Composition and Electronic Music, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

The composer comments: “Melody, timbre, virtuosity, clear and balanced formal structure, the integration of new media, multiple levels of associations, and a desire for fresh, engaging expression all drive my creative work. Of course, the concept of melody can be interpreted quite broadly: a melody could be a singing, arcing line, a single tone with constant microtonal or timbre changes, a jumping, jagged, asymmetrical riff, or a lick played on a snare drum. A fascination with both performance and compositional virtuosity joins melody to form the basis of my ongoing interest in writing works that push my boundaries as a composer and that engage superstar performers in technical and musical challenges. Such works teach us something about music, endless possibilities, and ourselves.”

He has received commissions from the Fromm Music Foundation, North Carolina Artist Fellowship, Thomas S. Kenan Institute. Founder: UNCG New Music Festival. Performances of his music have taken place at SEAMUS, ICMC, Wien Modern, Third Practice, Festival of New American Music, ISCM, BGSU Festival of New Music and Art, Carnegie Hall, and in Argentina, Albania, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Sweden, Norway, China, Terre Haute. His music is recorded on the Capstone, Albany, Innova, and Lotus labels. Engebretson was awarded the 2011 Composer Fellowship from the North Carolina Arts Council for his Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Orchestra.