Bio
Kurt Ellenberger received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Windsor, a Master's Degree in Theory/Composition from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Doctorate in Composition from the University of Texas-at-Austin. He is a composer and jazz pianist whose work includes music for solo piano, voice and piano, orchestra, brass quintet, percussion, brass choir, mixed chamber ensembles, carillon, strings, and two concertos.
He has performed with Danny Gottlieb, Kenny Wheeler, Billy Eckstine, and Della Reese. He is a Challenge-A Records recording artist, and his first CD—Songs From Far West—was received enthusiastically by critics in Canada, Europe, and the United States. They have been unanimous in their praise, calling it a "tour de force," "an extraordinary CD," and "one of the major surprises of 1999." He has been hailed as "a gifted pianist who combines the lyricism of Bill Evans with the energy of Keith Jarrett in his playing." He is also a founding member of Ütaké, a unique trio performing improvisatory music featuring the exotic shakuhachi flute.
He has been featured as composer and pianist on CBC Radio and NPR on a new CD for JP Morgan/Chase Bank entitled Modern Piano. He is a member of the Grand Valley New Music Ensemble whose recent recordings of Terry Riley’s “IN C” and Steve Reich’s “Music for 18 Musicians” for Innova Records have been reviewed and featured in the the New York Times as well as in many of the nation’s most reputable publications including The New Yorker (see Reviews).
He is the author of a pedagogical text on jazz improvisation entitled “Materials and Concepts in Jazz Improvisation” (Assayer Publishing). In the area of music theory, he has a particular interest in the music of Paul Hindemith (an article entitled “Hin und Zurück: Hindemith Recycles in Ludus Tonalis” was published by the Alberta New Music Review (2001); an article entitled “From Chart to Reality” was published in the Jazz Education Journal in October, 2005.
He is an Associate Composer in the Canadian Music Centre as well as a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) who recently recognized Dr. Ellenberger's work as a composer by presenting him with an ASCAP Composition Award in 2008. His music has been performed throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. His nocturne for ‘cello and piano entitled “After The Swans’ Song” was recorded by Clef Records as part of a compilation of new music by Canadian composers. The resultant recording, “Nine Visions,” was nominated for “Best Classical Recording” in Canada in 2003 by the Western Canadian Music Alliance.
Ellenberger is a Professor of Music in the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University.
