Mark Carlson, Composer

The Founder and Artistic Director of the Los Angeles chamber music ensemble Pacific Serenades—now in its 22nd season—composer Mark Carlson's lyrical, emotionally powerful, and stylistically unique music has earned him the admiration of audiences and musicians throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. A versatile composer, his 90-some works include art songs, chamber music, choral music, concertos and other large ensemble works, and songs for musical theater. The recipient of over 40 commissions, he has been commissioned by the National Shrine in Washington, DC, and the New West Symphony, among other organizations, as well as by many individual musicians and private parties. One of his six CDs, The Hall of Mirrors, was a winner of the Chamber Music America/WQXR Record Awards for 2001. His music is published by Yelton Rhodes Music, Pacific Serenades Music, C Swigart Music, Black Squirrel Music, and Thorpe Music. He teaches music theory and composition at both Santa Monica College and UCLA, and he is also active as a private teacher. He is also active as a flutist, performing primarily chamber music. Born in 1952 in Ft. Lewis, Washington, Carlson grew up in California, attended the University of Redlands, graduated from CSU Fresno, and received MA and PhD degrees in composition from UCLA. His principal teachers were Alden Ashforth and Paul Reale (composition) and Roger Stevens (flute).