Jake O’Connor is a composer who cites heavy metal, progressive metal specifically, as the primary influence on his music. He is fascinated by the intersection of metal and contemporary classical music, and always strives to weave the relentless intensities of metal together with the sophistication of modern art music.
Jake’s artistic passion lies in music for wind ensemble and school bands. He has written works for school bands of all different levels and has received performances by several middle and high school ensembles. However, he is no stranger to more complex and virtuosic music and has had pieces performed by top contemporary artists including Yarn/Wire, Mariel Roberts (Wet Ink, Mivos Quartet), and David Byrd-Marrow (ICE).
Jake achieved great successes early in his composing career- works composed in high school were earning awards and getting significant performances. Jake’s piece “An Experiment for Winds and Percussion” received 1st place in the SEMMEA composition contest, and the Duxbury High School Wind Ensemble performed the work multiple times, most notably during their concert at Strathmore Hall in Washington D.C.
Currently, Jake is pursuing his Master's degree in composition at the Peabody Institute where he studies with Michael Hersch and Oscar Bettison. Jake graduated from Ithaca College with his Bachelor’s degree, having studied with Dana Wilson and Evis Sammoutis. He lives in Baltimore and has a dog named Delilah. |
Photos above by James Matthew Daniel
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