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About Carlos Simon
"Carlos Simon is a young composer on the rise, with an ear for social justice."
Carlos Simon is a GRAMMY-nominated composer, curator and activist. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, his compositions range from concert music for large and small ensembles to film scores with influences of jazz, gospel, and neo-romanticism. Simon is the Composer-in-Residence for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Latest Album
Four Symphonic Works
Recorded live from the Kennedy Center by the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda, this compilation is the first full-length recording of Carlos Simon’s orchestral works. The album features Tales: A Folklore Symphony, The Block, Songs of Separation (featuring J’Nai Bridges), and Wake Up! Concerto for Orchestra. Released in August 2024.
See album details
Works
“A modern major composer: an artist whose windows are thrown wide open to the world, and whose musical scope of late lands like a grand panorama of American life.”
Schedule
September 14
National Symphony Orchestra
Celebrate the genius of American composers as the NSO performs Aaron Copland’s Suite from Billy the Kid and selections from his Old American Songs, Jessie Montgomery’s Banner, and Here I Stand—a new NSO co-commission by Carlos Simon and librettist Dan Harder. Grammy–winning bass-baritone Morris Robinson and The Washington Chorus join for this special concert.
September 14, 2024
BBC Symphony Orchestra
The stars gather for an end-of-season party like no other. Joining the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus and BBC Singers are Grammy Award-winning American soprano Angel Blue and one of Britain’s best-loved pianists, Sir Stephen Hough. Sakari Oramo returns to the podium for the world’s biggest classical music party.
The programme features the World Premiere of Hellfighters' Blues by Carlos Simon.