About the Composer
Filipino-American composer Carlos Lalonde (b. 2001) is an internationally performed artist whose eclectic catalog spans introspective chamber music to electrifying orchestral, wind band, and choral works. Their music has been described as “display[ing] wonderful craft and artistry, with a unique voice that will create a wonderful addition to the repertoire” (Austin Symphonic Band). Deeply interested in creating thought-provoking art through music and sound, Carlos explores themes of identity, human emotion, the natural world, science, spirituality, and society. Their art often reflects the ever-changing world, traversing time both retrospectively and prospectively to engage with ideas that demand careful reflection or bold prediction.
Their music has been recognized, performed, and commissioned by top collegiate and professional ensembles across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Carlos’s works have earned acclaim, with recent composition awards from the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, ASCAP, Cantus Vocal Ensemble, Alabama Orchestra Association, the Illinois Music Education Association, and Florida Bandmasters Association. In addition, Carlos received first prize in both the Jere Hutcheson Large Ensemble Composition and the Honors Competition in Composition at Michigan State University. They have held residencies with GTCYS, the Bach Society of Dayton, and served as composer-in-residence for the 2022 Alabama All-State Orchestra Festival.
As a pedagogue, Carlos has twice presented at the Illinois Music Educators Conference, had their music selected for permanent inclusion in the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) Concert Performance Assessment repertoire, and received the Dean’s Award for pedagogical research at Bradley University’s Scholarship Exposition. Their command of educational music has led to multiple publications with Carl Fischer Music, Walton Music, North Star Music, and Murphy Music Press, including several Editor’s Choice distinctions on J.W. Pepper. Carlos also maintains a private studio and fosters a community of composers through their YouTube channel, which has thousands of active subscribers.
Carlos holds a bachelor’s degree in music composition from Bradley University, a master’s degree in composition at Michigan State University, and is pursuing a doctorate in composition at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Their mentors include Rachel Finnes, Lynnsey Lambrecht, Mark De Zwaan, Cory Boulton, Ricardo Lorenz, David Biedenbender, Viet Cuong, Zhou Tian, Michael Daugherty, and Bright Sheng.
Artist Statement
I am a composer with deep interest in creating thought-provoking art through music and sound. The themes of my works include identity, human emotion, the natural world, science, spirituality, and society.
My art often reflects the circumstances of the changing world around me. But sometimes, I traverse through time, thinking retrospectively or prospectively about ideas requiring careful reflection or prediction. As I move through life, I am spinning threads of my lived experience. I translate those threads into music and sound, with the hope that other humans can resonate and deeply feel my ideas either consciously or subconsciously.
Collaboration is most important to me. I am inspired by interdisciplinary influences and working with people who make art happen. Without collaborators—performers, directors, conductors, fellow artists, those behind the scenes—my art would cease to exist. My prerogative is to share my work enthusiastically and unapologetically to the world.
My art stands on the shoulders who came before me. I gain inspiration by being a participant in the world and engaging with art that’s not my own. Being either a trailblazer or a traditionalist isn’t something I concern myself with. I am solely focused on sharing my own individual voice, which is a synthesis of everything that’s become a part of me.
Carlos Lalonde 