Sam Lipman is an award-winning composer whose music draws on the rich traditions of classical music while bringing them into a contemporary context. His compositions blend orchestral color, lyricism, and dramatic narrative, transforming time-honored forms with a fresh, modern perspective. His works have been performed by ensembles such as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, at Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center.

Tonight’s performance marks the world premiere of his Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, a work that reflects his deep interest in musical narrative and orchestral drama. Known for his immersive approach to composition, Lipman’s recent orchestral ballet, MoonFall, premiered to a sold-out two-week run in May 2024 and was nominated for 12 B. Iden Payne Awards. He is currently composing a new work in collaboration with Grammywinning soprano Hila Plitmann and Texas Poet Laureate Carrie Fountain, exploring the rich textures of language and voice.

In addition to concert music, Lipman has composed for film and multimedia, orchestrating for Terrence Malick’s Way of the Wind and co-scoring Richard Linklater’s Where’d You Go, Bernadette. His score for Southwest of Salem was shortlisted for an Academy Award, and his latest film scores—Night in West Texas and The Salamander King—are set for release later this year. Lipman is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his incredible wife Kendra, and children Harper and Asher. He is based in Austin, where he teaches Film Scoring at the University of Texas.