NATHAN WILSON BALL
(B. 1985)
Inspired by Christian iconography, Nathan’s compositions place an emphasis on music’s ability to propose emotional narratives by layering and/or juxtaposing simple musical ideas, or “sonic icons.“ This approach to composition—praised by the Boston Globe as “adroit and expressively efficient”—stresses the relationship between musical ideas, which the audience is invited to reconcile of their own accord. And while the narrative journeys of Nathan’s compositions can thus be as varied as humanity itself, the subject of each work points only to One: the salvation of humanity.
Performance highlights from Nathan’s career include world premieres by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Allentown Symphony Orchestra, and internationally acclaimed violinists Chee-Yun and Jing Wang. His work has also been recorded by the Brass Quintet of the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sirius String Quartet on the Navona Records label.
Nathan received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree (DMA) from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Kevin Puts. He has also had the privilege of studying with Michael Gandolfi at the New England Conservatory (MM), Thomas Oboe Lee at Boston College (BA), and Robert Aldridge at the Brevard Music Center.
Originally from Colorado, Nathan now resides outside of Philadelphia with his wife and four boys.