Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn, Composer

Since he first started composing Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn has always been concerned with the composer-performer-audience relationship. He has strived to write music that is memorable, interesting, and ranges from the humorous to the provocative. His music has been played throughout the United States and Europe. Most recently Composers Inc., The Kiev Philharmonic, The Conundrum Ensemble, The Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, The Bard University Chamber Ensemble, The Interlochen Chamber Players, and The Cameradschaft Duo have performed his music. Awards include a first place prize in the William R. Wiley Exposition in Fine Arts for his composition "Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano" in 2005 and an honorable mention for his string orchestra work “Evolutions” in the 2007 adagio competition held by the Fauxharmonic. His music is published by Dorn Publishing and Boom Crash Music and can be heard on the ERM Media record label.

Aleks completed his Masters Degree in Composition at Washington State University as well as a Bachelors Degree from California State University East Bay. Currently he is completing a DMA in Composition with a minor in Music Theory from the Hartt School of Music. Aleks’ primary teachers have included Robert Carl, Martin Rokeach, Stephen Gryc, Charles Argersinger, Ryan Hare, Greg Yasinitsky, and Frank LaRocca

As well as being an accomplished composer he is also active as a conductor and string bassist. As a conductor he recently guest conducted the new music ensemble Turn on the Music for their CD "The Darwin Effect" on Capstone Records. He has also conducted varied orchestras, wind ensembles, and theatre productions. As a bassist he has held principal positions with several San Francisco Bay Area Orchestras, as well as numerous jazz small groups and big bands. He is the featured bassist on Bay Area jazz pianist Marty Namaro's CD "Abstractionisms". Currently he serves on the faculty at Washington State University where he teaches composition, electronic music and music theory.