LUKE CARLSON composer

Luke Carlson — Composer & Conductor

“Personal and strong… with real narrative sweep.”

— The New York Times (on the string quartet Edges)

Luke Carlson at MacDowell

Luke Carlson at MacDowell

The music of composer Luke Carlson (b. 1983) has been described as “yielding fascinating timbres” (Washington Classical Review), “magical,” and “otherworldly” (Philadelphia Inquirer), and “personal and strong” (The New York Times). Carlson draws equal inspiration from classical traditions and modern aesthetics, crafting vibrant and profound music that engages with the continuing story of tonality.

He is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Aspen Music Festival’s Jacob Druckman Prize, Fellowships from Copland House, MacDowell, and the Edward T. Cone Composition Institute, and two nominations for composition awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Recent News

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Sonata
March 2026

Sonata

Clara's dedication to commissioning and championing new music like mine is inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Clara on this piece and am excited for future performances.

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Measure
January 2026

Measure

Matthew Bengtson and the Daedalus Quartet gave a stunning premiere of my piano quintet, Measure, at the Reading Chamber Music Festival on January 9, 2026. The four movements explore complementary aspects of the craft of composition: marking time, constructing sonorities, delineating form, and contemplating proportions.

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Upcoming Concerts

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OCT 17 2026

Birds (Voice & Piano)

Jill Phillips, soprano · Ruoyang Xiang, piano

Truman State University · Kirksville, MO

Work Details & Score
NOV 9 2026

Keystones (Two Pianos)

Hye-Jung Hong & Christopher Madden, piano

University of Missouri at St. Louis · St. Louis, MO

Work Details & Score
NOV 12 2026

Birds (Voice & Piano)

Jill Phillips, soprano · Ruoyang Xiang, piano

College of the Ozarks · Point Lookout, MO

Work Details & Score