"I strive to keep the process of composition exciting as a daily activity."
free improvisation with others, the study of old music, really old music and ancient music. My two children. Tennis, skiing.
Steven Mackey was born in 1956, to American parents stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. He is regarded as one of the leading composers of his generation and has composed for orchestra, chamber ensembles, dance and opera. His first musical passion was playing the electric guitar in rock bands based in northern California. He blazed a trail in the 1980's and 90's by including the electric guitar and vernacular music influence in his concert music and he regularly performs his own work, including two electric guitar concertos and numerous solo and chamber works. He is also active as an improvising musician and performs with his band Big Farm.
Named Composer in Residence at Curtis Institute of Music 2014-15.
"Roger D Moore" Medal in Music Composition from University of Toronto (January 2013).
Award in music composition from the American Academy and Institute for Arts and Letters, May 2011.
Chosen to curate a day of music for the grand opening of new music studios for BBC radio in Manchester England June 2011.
Honorees included soprano Roberta Peters and choreographer Paul Taylor, 2000.