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News & Upcoming Performances

Lee Actor was one of five composers selected in November 2014 as an "Honored Artist of the American Prize", the first time this prestigious award has been bestowed. The American Prize is presented annually in many areas of the performing arts, recognizing the best performing artists, ensembles and composers in the United States. Honored Artists are "individuals who have proven themselves to be musicians of sustained excellence over a number of seasons".

Symphony No. 2 won 3rd place in the 2019-20 American Prize in Orchestral Composition.

My performance of Symphony No. 3 with the Presidential Symphony Orchestra in Ankara, Turkey in March 2018 won "Honorable Mention" in The American Prize's 2018-19 Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music, solo division. Video of the performance can be seen here.

Prelude to a Tragedy won "Finalist Honorable Mention" for the 2018-19 American Prize in Orchestral Composition.

Symphony No. 4 received a very successful premiere performance on April 6, 2024 at the Visual & Performing Arts Center at DeAnza College in Cupertino, California. The composer conducted the Palo Alto Philharmonic, which commissioned the piece, and an enthusiastic audience showed its appreciation by demanding numerous curtain calls.

Violinist Gene Huang performed Meditation for Violin and Orchestra with the South Bay Philharmonic on March 22, 2024 at the First Congregational Church in San Jose, California, conducted by George Yefchak.

Eric Moore, principal horn with the Fairfax Symphony, performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with the Reston Community Orchestra on March 17, 2024 at the Reston Community Center in Reston, Virginia, conducted by John Murton.

In December 2023, ASCAP® named Lee Actor the recipient of an ASCAP Plus Award for 2023. The purpose of the ASCAP Plus awards is to reward composers whose works have a unique prestige value for which adequate compensation would not otherwise be received, and to compensate those writers whose works are performed substantially in media not surveyed by ASCAP. This is the 20th time that Actor has been honored with this award.

Gunnery Sergeant David Constantine, a percussionist with the United States Marine Band, performws Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra in a special Veteran's Day Concert with the Rome Symphony Orchestra on November 11, 2023 at Berry College's Betty Anne Rouse Recital Hall in Rome Georgia, conducted by Jeffrey Sean Dokken. Mr. Constantine previously performed the band version of the concerto in 2016.

Meditation for Violin and Orchestra was named a finalist for the 2023 American Prize in Orchestral Composition.

Orchestre de Picardie, a professional chamber orchestra based in Hauts-de-France, presented four performances of Opening Remarks on May 11-12, 2023 at Collège Béranger de Péronne, Collège Gaston Boucourt de Roisel, Mairie de Montcornet, and Collège Jules Ferry de Rozoy sur Serre, led by Swiss guest conductor Laurent Zufferey.

Horn soloist Donald Harvey performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with the Chandler Symphony Orchestra at on May 7, 2023 at the Chandler Center for the Arts in Chandler, Arizona, conducted by Vanja Gjumar Nikolovski.

Dr. David Tedford led the Mansfield University Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Divertimento for Small Orchestra on April 23, 2023 at the Steadman Theatre in Mansfield, Pennsylvania.

The Allegretto Youth Orchestra, conducted by Brian Norcross, performed Opening Remarks on March 5, 2023 at the Gardner Theater in Lancaster, PA. This orchestra also performed Divertimento for Small Orchestra in October 2019.

Jason Klein and the Saratoga Symphony completed their Actor symphonic cycle with a performance of Symphony No. 3 on January 22, 2023 at the Lincoln-Glen Church in San Jose, CA.

The Jugendorchester Köniz and timpanist Kaspar Hafner performed the Swiss premiere of Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra on November 19/20, 2022 at the Gymnasium Lerbermatt in Köniz, Bern, Switzerland, conducted by François Girard-Garcia.

Music Director Lara Webber led the Palo Alto Philharmonic in an exciting performance of Dance Rhapsody at Spangenberg Theater in Palo Alto, CA on October 22, 2022. This was be the 15th performance of the piece since its premiere in April 2010, which the Palo Alto Philharmonic commissioned.

Timpani soloist Lider Chang of the Guangzhou Symphony in Guangzhou (Canton), Guangdong, China has arranged the Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra for timpani and percussion ensemble. He and the Guangzhou Percussion Ensemble, made up of members of the percussion section of the Guangzhou Symphony, have performed the arrangement in Shunde (May 14, 2022) and Guangzhou (May 16, 2022). Additional performances are planned as conditions permit.

Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra was named a finalist for the 2022 American Prize in Orchestral Composition.

Flutists Ray Furuta and Natalie Haworth-Liu performed the premiere of Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra with the Palo Alto Philharmonic to a rousing standing ovation on April 2, 2022 at Spangenberg Theater in Palo Alto, California, conducted by the composer. The premiere was originally scheduled for April 2020, but was postponed due to the world closing unexpectedly.

Timpani soloist Dr. Nicholaus Meyers performed Concerto for Timpani and Band with the East Central University Wind Ensemble on March 6, 2022 at Ataloa Theatre on the ECU campus in Ada, Oklahoma, conducted by Dr. Jace Vickers.

Horn soloist Jeffrey Snedeker performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with the Tacoma Youth Symphony on March 5, 2022 at the Urban Grace Church in Tacoma, Washington, conducted by Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs. This is Dr. Snedeker's second performance of the concerto.

Pianist Benny Gambino performed the premiere of Toccata on September 27, 2021 at Teatro Radar at the Conservatorio di Musica Nina Rota in Monopoli, Italy. Mr Gambino commissioned the work for solo piano in early 2020, and was grateful to finally have the opportunity to perform it in public.

Symphony No. 3 was selected as a finalist for the 2021 American Prize in Orchestral Composition.

The Palo Alto Philharmonic's second subscription concert of the season, "Russian Remarks", opened with Opening Remarks. The program also included works by Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky and was performed on December 7, 2019 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by Lee Actor.

The Peninsula Symphony and concertmaster Debra Fong performed Meditation for Violin and Orchestra at Bing Concert Hall on the campus of Stanford University in Palo Alto, California on November 22 and 24, 2019. Both performances were conducted by Stanford University Symphonic Chorus Music Director Stephen Sano.

Patrick Hughes joined the St. Cloud Symphony as soloist in Concerto for Horn and Orchestra on November 2, 2019 in Ritsche Auditorium (Stewart Hall) at St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, conducted by Brian Dowdy.

Allegretto, the Youth Chamber Orchestra of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, performed Divertimento for Small Orchestra on October 13, 2019 at Steinman Hall - The Ware Center in Lancaster, PA, conducted by Frank Caravella.

The MASUO ensemble from Tokyo and timpanist Riki Suzuki performed the Japanese premiere of Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra on October 6, 2019 at Mori No Hall 21 in Matsudo City, Chiba, Japan, conducted by Kei Matsubayashi.

The Laredo Philharmonic performed Symphony No. 3 on their final concert of the season, "Premonitions", after the title of the first movement of the symphony. The performance took place on May 19, 2019 at the Martinez Fine Arts Theater of Laredo College in Laredo, Texas, conducted by Music Director Brendan Townsend.

The Saratoga Symphony performed Divertimento for Small Orchestra on May 5, 2019 at Lincoln Glen Church in San Jose, California, conducted by Music Director Jason Klein.

The Hawaii Symphonic Band and timpani soloist Momoe Sakurai performed Concerto for Timpani and Band on March 30, 2019 at McKay Auditorium, Brigham Young University – Hawaii in Laie, Hawaii, conducted by Ernest Taniguchi.

Saxophone soloist Fethi Günçer continued his mission to spread the music of Lee Actor throughout Turkey by performing Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Bursa Regional State Symphony Orchestra on February 7, 2019 at Osmangazi Hall in the Ataturk Congress and Cultural Center in Bursa, Turkey, conducted by Can Okan.

Cellist Jennifer Kloetzel and the Palo Alto Philharmonic performed the world premiere of Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra for an enthusiastically appreciative audience on October 20, 2018 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by Thomas Shoebotham.

The Great Bridge Band's final concert of the season featured concerto competition winner Caleb Wirt in a performance of Concerto for Timpani and Band, conducted by Drew Ross. The concert took place on May 29, 2018 at Harry Blevins Auditorium at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Titled "Humor in Music", the program of the Palo Alto Philharmonic's Family Concert included a performance of Circus Symphonicus on May 20, 2018 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by the composer.

Jeremy D. Cuebas conducted Opening Remarks to open his Master's Recital on May 16, 2018 in Griffin Concert Hall at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Dance Rhapsody won the 2016 Austin Civic Orchestra Composition Competition. Music Director Lois Ferrara led the ACO in a performance of the piece on May 13, 2018 at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center in Austin, Texas.

The Turkey tour continued with another all-Actor program performed by the Izmir State Symphony Orchestra on March 30, 2018 at the Ahmet Adnan Saygun Arts Center in Izmir, Turkey. Featuring saxophone soloist Fethi Günçer, the program of Dance Rhapsody, Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra and Symphony No. 3 was conducted by the composer.

The Cumhurbaşkanlığı Senfoni Orkestrası (Presidential Symphony Orchestra) performed an all-Actor program on March 23, 2018 at the CSO Concert Hall in Ankara, Turkey, conducted by the composer. The program opened with Dance Rhapsody, followed by Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with saxophone soloist Fethi Günçer, and closing with Symphony No. 3. The performance, held under the auspices of "Turkish-American Friendship Concert", featured the Turkish premiere of all three works.

The Castro Valley Orchestra performed Divertimento for Small Orchestra on March 18, 2018 at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts in Castro Valley, California, conducted by Music Director Josh Cohen. This is their second performance of the work, after opening their season with it in October 2012.

Ron Bowman performed Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Palo Alto Philharmonic on February 17, 2018 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by the composer.

The Clemson University Symphony Orchestra performed Premonition on November 14, 2017 at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts in Clemson, South Carolina, under the direction of Andrew Levin.

Steve Lewis led the Medical Arts Symphony of Kansas City in a performance of Opening Remarks on November 11, 2017 at Battenfield Auditorium at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Murray State University Horn Choir, under the direction of Ashley Cumming, reprised their March 2017 performance of Fanfare for 8 Horns on April 27, 2017, at Performing Arts Hall at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.

The Laredo Philharmonic performed Redwood Fanfare on April 23, 2017 at Laredo Community College in Laredo, Texas, led by Music Director Brendan Townsend.

John Russell performed Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra with piano accompaniment on his senior recital on April 12, 2017 in MacNamara Hall at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan.

Guy Clark performed the world premiere of Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra with the Palo Alto Philharmonic on April 8, 2017 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by the composer. The concerto was commissioned by Mr. Clark and the Palo Alto Philharmonic.

The Murray State University Horn Choir, under the direction of Ashley Cumming, performed Fanfare for 8 Horns on March 17, 2017, at the Mid-South Horn Workshop at Southeast Missouri State University.

The Saratoga Symphony performed Prelude to a Tragedy on January 22, 2017 at West Valley Presbyterian Church in Cupertino, California, led by Music Director Jason Klein.

Saxophonist Jan Baker performed the Mexican premiere of Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Oaxaca Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Pablo Varela on November 25, 2016 at the Teatro Macedonio Alcalá in Oaxaca, Mexico. Dr. Baker is Associate Professor of Saxophone at Georgia State University.

Bradley Karas, a graduate student in saxophone at Georgia State University, won the school's annual concerto competition, and performed Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Georgia State University Symphony Orchestra on November 16, 2016 at Kopleff Recital Hall in Atlanta, Georgia, conducted by Michael Palmer.

Staff Sergeant David Constantine, a percussionist with the United States Marine Band, performed Concerto for Timpani and Band with the Elon University Wind Ensemble on November 16, 2016 in McCrary Theater on the campus of Elon University in Elon, North Carolina, conducted by Adam Kehl.

Alžbeta Klasová, currently studying saxophone at the Royal College of Music in London, performed Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Slovak State Philharmonic, Košice on November 10, 2016 at the Dom Umenia (House of Arts) in Košice, Slovakia, led by Dutch conductor Arthur Arnold.

Horn soloist Ashley Cumming performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with the Murray State University Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Dennis Johnson, on November 1, 2016 at Lovett Auditorium on the Murray State University campus in Murray, Kentucky. Ms. Cumming is Assistant Professor of Horn at Murray State University.

Ashley Cumming performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with piano accompaniment at the 2016 Mid-North Horn Workshop on October 30, 2016 at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Internationally renowned pianist Jon Nakamatsu performed the world premiere of Concerto No. 2 for Piano and Orchestra with Emily Ray and the Mission Chamber Orchestra on May 15, 2016 at the California Theatre in San Jose, California for a large and appreciative audience. Mr. Nakamatsu was the Gold Medalist at the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1997.

Pianist Daniel Glover performed Concerto for Piano and Orchestra with the Palo Alto Philharmonic on February 20, 2016 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts in Mountain View, California, conducted by the composer. Dan performed the premiere of the concerto in 2013, and recorded it with the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra for a CD released by Navona Records in early 2015.

Guest conductor Matthew Brown led the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra in performances of Opening Remarks on January 23/24, 2016 at the Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction, Colorado. Maestro Brown is one of four finalists vying for the position of music director of the GJSO.

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra was awarded a Special Judge's Citation for the 2015 American Prize in Orchestral Composition, in recognition of continuing artistic and technical excellence. The Citation is designated as "Celebrating the Variety and Vitality of American Composers of Works for Orchestra".

The Foothill Symphonic Winds performed the California premiere of Kaleidoscopic Overture on December 6, 2015 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by David Adams.

Fanfare for 8 Horns had its Northern California premiere on November 14, 2015, conducted by the composer, at the First Baptist Church in Palo Alto, California, at the Palo Alto Philharmonic's Fall Chamber Concert.

Fanfare for 8 Horns had its world premiere at the 2015 International Horn Symposium on August 4, 2015 in Zipper Hall at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, California, with Daniel Baldwin conducting a specially selected horn choir.

David Danzmayr led two performances of Opening Remarks with the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, on July 9/10, 2015 at the Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder, Colorado.

The Peninsula Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Mitchell Sardou Klein, took Celebration Overture on tour. They first performed the work on their Season Finale concert on May 17, 2015 at the Carlmont High School Theater in Belmont, California, followed by the Tour Preview Concert on June 16, 2015 at the Notre Dame de Namur University Theatre in Belmont. European performances included the Fete de la Musique at La Citadelle in Vellefranche, France on June 21, the Cathedral in Aix-en-Provence, France on June 22, and the Auditori in Barcelona, Spain on June 24.

Matthew Brown conducted Opening Remarks with the Lyatoshinsky Chamber Orchestra at the International Conductors Festival in Kiev, Ukraine on June 13, 2015 in the National House of Organ and Chamber Music, located in the reconstructed St. Nicholas Cathedral.

The Laredo Philharmonic performed Divertimento for Small Orchestra on May 3, 2015 at the Martinez Fine Arts Center at Laredo Community College in Laredo, Texas, conducted by Brendan Townsend.

Horn soloist Susan Salminen and the Yuma Civic Orchestra, conducted by Janet Jones, performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra on May 2, 2015 at the Historic Yuma Theater in Yuma, Arizona.

Patty Diederichs was the horn soloist with the St. Cloud University Wind Ensemble in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for performances of Concerto for Horn and Band on April 8, 2015 and April 23, 2015, conducted by Catharine Bushman.

The Green Valley Concert Band and conductor John Snavely performed the world premiere of Kaleidoscopic Overture on April 12, 2015 at the Sahuarita District Auditorium in Sahuarita, Arizona. The 6 1/2 minute work was commissioned anonymously for the GVCB.

The Illinois Philharmonic, led by Music Director David Danzmayr, performed Dance Rhapsody on March 21, 2015 at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center in Frankfort, Illinois, and on March 22, 2015 at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois. The performances were accompanied by choreography from the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center.

João Gaspar performed Concerto for Horn and Band in two performances with the Banda Sinfónica de Alcobaça, conducted by Rui Carreira: on March 21, 2015 at Cine-Theatre João d'Oliva Monteiro in Alcobaça, Portugal, and on March 22, 2015 at Auditório da Filarmónica de Chãs in Leiria, Portugal. These performances featured American music for band from the 20th and 21st centuries.

George Ogata led the Senior Orchestra of the Massachusetts Youth Symphony Project in a performance of Opening Remarks on March 1, 2015 at the Fine Arts Center at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Maestro Ogata also performed this work with the Longy Youth Chamber Orchestra in May 2012.

The Palo Alto Philharmonic performed Divertimento for Small Orchestra on February 27, 2015 at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts in Mountain View, California, conducted by the composer.

Navona Records released the album Lee Actor: Piano Concerto in February 2015. The CD contains Divertimento for Small Orchestra, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, with piano soloist Daniel Glover, and Symphony No. 3. Kirk Trevor conducts the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra.

Purchase this CD

The Green Valley Concert Band and timpani soloist Peg Bowden performed Concerto for Timpani and Band on January 25, 2015 at the Sahuarita District Auditorium in Sahuarita, Arizona, conducted by John Snavely.

The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performed Circus Symphonicus a total of 4 times at educational concerts on November 6/7, 2014 at the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola, Florida, conducted by Music Director Peter Rubardt. These are the first performances of the piece as a standalone work; it also serves as the finale of Symphony No. 2.

The Tarleton State University Wind Ensemble and timpani soloist Nobue Matsuoka performed Concerto for Timpani and Band on October 7, 2014 at the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium in Stephenville, Texas, conducted by Anthony Pursell.

Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra was selected as a finalist for the 2014 American Prize in Orchestral Composition.

String Quartet No. 1 was selected as a finalist for the 2014 American Prize in Chamber Music Composition.

Recording sessions for my 4th orchestral CD took place on May 8-10, 2014 in Studio 1 of the Slovak Radio in Bratislava. The works recorded were Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Symphony No. 3, and Divertimento for Small Orchestra. Kirk Trevor conducted the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, and Dan Glover was the piano soloist in the concerto.

Marcia Spence performed Concerto for Horn and Band with the University of Missouri Symphonic Band on May 4, 2014 at the Missouri Theatre in Columbia, Missouri, led by Dr. Brian Silvey. Dr. Spence is Professor of Horn at the University of Missouri.

Saxophonist Joe Schillaci and the Redwood Symphony performed Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra to a rousing ovation on April 19, 2014 at the Cañada College Main Theatre in Redwood City, California, led by Music Director Eric Kujawsky.

Music Director Nan Washburn led the Michigan Philharmonic in a superb performance of Opening Remarks on March 9, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Plymouth, Michigan. I attended the performance and participated in the pre-concert talk with Maestra Washburn.

The Saratoga Symphony performed Dance Rhapsody on March 9, 2014 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Saratoga, California, led by Music Director Jason Klein.

Senior Tad Guy was selected as the featured soloist in a performance of Concerto for Timpani and Band with the Urbandale High School Wind Symphony on March 7, 2014 at Urbandale High School in Urbandale, Iowa, conducted by Myron Peterson.

The Palo Alto Philharmonic performed the world premiere of Symphony No. 3 for an engaged and appreciative audience on December 7, 2013 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, led by Music Director Thomas Shoebotham.

Circus Symphonicus was selected as a finalist in the 2013 American Composer Competition of the Columbia Orchestra.

Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra was selected as a finalist for the 2013 American Prize in Orchestral Composition.

Pianist Daniel Glover and the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Mitchell Sardou Klein, presented a scintillating and memorable premiere of Concerto for Piano and Orchestra to nearly 2,000 appreciative and enthusiastic audience members in two performances on May 17/18, 2013, at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, California and at the Flint Center in Cupertino, California.

The San Jose Mercury News, the 5th highest daily circulation newspaper in the U.S., published a feature article on composer Lee Actor on May 17, 2013 titled "Consumed by Music", written by Richard Scheinin. The online version of the article is titled “Lee Actor, Silicon Valley's accidental composer”.

Simone Deleon-Jones performed Concerto for Violin and Orchestra on her Master's Recital on May 18, 2013 at Jan Popper Theatre on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, California.

The Mission Chamber Orchestra, led by Music Director Emily Ray, performed Divertimento for Small Orchestra on April 27, 2013 at Le Petit Trianon in San Jose, California.

Saxophonist Kurt Claussen and the St. Olaf Philharmonia, directed by Martin Hodel, presented two performances of Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra: April 26, 2013 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Farmington, Minnesota, and April 28, 2013 in Skogland Center Auditorium on the St. Olaf College campus in Northfield, Minnesota.

Music Director Brendan Townsend led the Laredo Philharmonic in a performance of Dance Rhapsody on April 21, 2013 at the Martinez Fine Arts Center at Laredo Community College in Laredo, Texas.

The Green Mountain Youth Symphony, conducted by Robert Blais, performed Opening Remarks on April 14, 2013 at the Barre Opera House in Barre, Vermont.

Pip Clarke's ninth performance of Concerto for Violin and Orchestra was presented with the York Symphony Orchestra to an enthusiastic capacity crowd on April 13, 2013 at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center in York, Pennsylvania, conducted by Music Director Robert Hart Baker.

Marc Teicholz was the featured soloist in a performance of Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra with the Palo Alto Philharmonic on April 6, 2013 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by the composer. Marc premiered the concerto in April 2012 with the Mission Chamber Orchestra.

Zachary Webb was timpani soloist with the Southwest Symphony in a performance of Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra on March 29, 2013 at Cox Auditorium at Dixie State College of Utah in St. George, Utah, conducted by Glenn Webb. Zac is principal timpanist of the Southwest Symphony and a sophomore at Dixie State College of Utah.

Brendan Townsend led the Topeka Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Celebration Overture on March 16, 2013 at White Concert Hall at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Maestro Townsend is one of five finalist candidates for the position of Topeka Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor.

Amy Green was the solo saxophonist in a performance of Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Northamptonshire County Youth Orchestra on March 3, 2013 at the Derngate Theatre in Northampton UK, conducted by Andrew Kirkwood. Reports are that the performance "went down a storm".

William Klingelhoffer, principal horn of the San Francisco Opera, performed Concerto for Horn and Band with the Metropolitan State University Wind Ensemble on February 21, 2013 at the Concert Hall of the Kenneth King Center for the Performing Arts in Denver, Colorado, conducted by David Kish.

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra presented the Chicago-area premiere of Divertimento for Small Orchestra in two performances: February 16, 2013 at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center in Frankfort, Illinois, and February 17, 2013 at Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. I participated in a lively pre-concert talk, and the piece received a very warm reception from the audience. Music Director David Danzmayr conducted both performances.

The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra performed Dance Rhapsody on February 2, 2013 at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center in Decatur, Illinois, conducted by Music Director Michael Luxner.

Violinist Simone Deleon-Jones performed Meditation for Violin and Orchestra on a recital at The Hearthstone in Seattle, Washington on January 3, 2013, accompanied by pianist Chris de Leon. Ms. Deleon-Jones is a graduate student at UCLA.

The Castro Valley Adult School Chamber Orchestra performed Divertimento for Small Orchestra on their opening concert of the season on October 14, 2012 at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts in Castro Valley, California, conducted by Music Director Josh Cohen.

Ashley Cumming performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra on her Doctoral Recital on September 21, 2012 in Ford Hall at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, accompanied by pianist Jeremy Reger. Ms. Cumming performed the concerto again on October 25, 2012 with pianist Stephanie Mara at 12:00pm in Maureen Forrester Recital Hall at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. For more information about Ms. Cumming, visit her website at www.ashleycumming.com.

Pip Clarke was the featured soloist in Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra on September 29-30, 2012, conducted by Music Director Lonnie Klein. These two Opening Gala Concerts of the 2012-13 season are part of the New Mexico Centennial Celebration, and took place at the Music Center on the campus of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Richard Kelley performed Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edward Benyas, on September 25, 2012 in Shryock Auditorium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Mr. Kelley is currently Lecturer in Saxophone and Jazz Studies at SIU Carbondale.

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra was selected as a finalist for the 2012 American Prize in Orchestral Composition.

Debra Richtmeyer performed Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra to a standing ovation with the renowned Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Garry Walker, on the final gala concert of the World Saxophone Congress 2012 in St. Andrews, Scotland on July 15, 2012. Ms. Richtmeyer, an internationally distinguished pedagogue and soloist, has been Professor of Saxophone at the University of Illinois since 1991.

João Gaspar performed Concerto for Horn and Band with the Banda de Alcobaça, conducted by Rui Carreira, on July 1, 2012 at Alcobaça's Theater in Alcobaça, Portugal. This performance was part of Alcobaça's Cistermúsica 2012, an international music festival celebrating its 20th season.

Leo Saguiguit performed Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kirk Trevor, on June 30, 2012 in the Missouri Theatre in Columbia, Missouri, part of the Hot Summer Nights Music Festival. Mr. Saguiguit is Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Missouri.

The Longy Youth Chamber Orchestra performed Opening Remarks on their final concert of the season on May 19, 2012 at Pickman Hall at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts, led by conductor George Ogata.

Rory Snyder performed Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Saratoga Symphony for a very appreciative audience on May 6, 2012 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Saratoga, California. The orchestra was led by Jason Klein.

The Patel Conservatory Chamber Orchestra performed Divertimento for Small Orchestra on May 6, 2012 at Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida. The orchestra was by Stephen P. Brown, Principal Conductor of the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra.

Joshua Horne performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra on his senior recital on May 1, 2012 in Jessen Auditorium at the University of Texas at Austin.

Holly Royster performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra on her graduate recital on April 22, 2012 in Cole Concert Hall on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Guitarist Marc Teicholz and the Mission Chamber Orchestra performed the world premiere of Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra on April 21, 2012 at Le Petit Trianon in San Jose, California, conducted by Emily Ray. The concerto was commissioned by the South Bay Guitar Society.

Premonition received its world premiere on April 14, 2012 at Spangenberg Theatre in Palo Alto, California. The Palo Alto Philharmonic, who commissioned the work, was conducted by the composer.

Pip Clarke was the featured soloist in two performances of Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with the Auburn Symphony on March 17-18, 2012 at the Placer High School Theater in Auburn, California. Conductor Emily Ray did an admirable job filling in for longtime music director Michael Goodwin, who died in a tragic automobile accident in February. Ms. Ray and Ms. Clarke collaborated in the premiere performance of the concerto with the Mission Chamber Orchestra, who originally commissioned the piece.

Jancie Philippus performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra on her Master's recital on March 15, 2012 in Dalton Center Recital Hall at the Western Michigan University campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Rory Snyder performed Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the Diablo Valley College Philharmonic Orchestra on March 3, 2012 at the Diablo Valley College Performing Arts Center in Pleasant Hill, California. Mr. Snyder is the Director of Jazz Studies at Diablo Valley College. DVCPO Music Director Dr. Owen J. Lee conducted.

Pip Clarke performed Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra on January 29, 2012 at the Texas A&M International University Center for the Fine and Performing Arts in Laredo, Texas. LPO Music Director Brendan Townsend conducted the performance, which was streamed online to a world-wide audience.

Thomas Shoebotham led the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra to rousing ovations in two performances of Dance Rhapsody on December 19-20, 2011 at Immanuel Presbyterian Church and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Senior Michelle Bukoskey performed Concerto for Timpani and Band with the Spring Arbor University Concert Band on December 12, 2011 in the SAU White Auditorium in Spring Arbor, Michigan, conducted by Director of Bands Shawn Teichmer.

Pip Clarke performed Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with the Midland Symphony Orchestra on November 5, 2011 at the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, Michigan. The concerto, written especially for Ms. Clarke, appeared on a program including works by Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff, led by guest conductor Bohuslav Rattay.

Dr. Pablo Bagilet was the featured soloist in Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra with the Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra, led by Dr. James A. Holleman, on October 22-23, 2011 in the Sage Center for the Arts on the campus of Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. The two performances were a memorial to Eric Jones, originally scheduled to perform the concerto in 2010, who tragically passed away in July 2011 after an extended battle with cancer.

John Fadial was featured as violin soloist with the University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra in Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. Music Director Michael Griffith led the UWSO in the opening night performance at the UW Fine Arts Concert Hall in Laramie, WY on October 6, 2011. The same performers also presented the first movement of the concerto as part of UW's New Frontiers new music festival, in the Fine Arts Concert Hall on September 22, 2011, as well as five other performances on their tour of Wyoming from October 9th through 12th in Teton Village, Afton, Mountain View, and Green River.

Opening Remarks opened the 2011-12 season for the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra. Guest conductor Marissa Kaczynski led the orchestra in performances on September 16, 2011 at Bard College in Annandale, NY, and on September 18, 2011 at Woodstock Playhouse in Woodstock, NY.

Divertimento for Small Orchestraa received its premiere performance by the Skaneateles Festival Chamber Orchestra on August 13, 2011 at Skaneateles High School, conducted by Robert Moody. The work was commissioned by Jary and Julie Shimer for the Skaneateles Festival.

Kirk Trevor led the Missouri Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Dance Rhapsody on July 2, 2011 in the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts in Columbia, Missouri, part of the Hot Summer Nights Music Festival.

Dance Rhapsody was awarded 2nd place in the 2011 American Prize in Orchestral Composition.

Navona Records released the album Lee Actor: Saxophone Concerto in April 2011. The CD contains Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, with saxophone soloist Debra Richtmeyer, Dance Rhapsody, Concerto for Horn and Orchestra, with horn soloist Karol Nitran, Opening Remarks, and Celebration Overture. Kirk Trevor conducts the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra and the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra.

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Dustin Goodnight performed Concerto for Timpani and Band with the Albion College Symphonic Band on April 25, 2011 in Goodrich Chapel on the campus of Albion College in Albion, Michigan, conducted by Director Sam McIlhagga. Mr. Goodnight is a senior at Albion College.

Bernhard Scully, formerly principal horn of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and a member of the Canadian Brass, performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with the Palo Alto Philharmonic on April 9, 2011 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, and on April 10, 2011 at Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center in Atherton, California, conducted by the composer.

The European premiere of Concerto for Horn and Band took place on March 13, 2011 at the Center for Social and Cultural Action in Santander, Spain. Juan Carlos Sanmartín Rubio was the soloist with La Banda Municipal de Música de Santander, conducted by music director Vicente Fernandez Garcia. Mr. Sanmartín Rubio is principal horn of the band and teaches at Conservatorio Profesional de Música Ataúlfo Argenta in Santander.

The Redwood Symphony performed Dance Rhapsody for a damp but very appreciative audience on their November 20, 2010 subscription concert at the Cañada College Main Theatre in Redwood City, CA, conducted by Music Director Eric Kujawsky.

Recording sessions for my 3rd orchestral CD took place on September 6-8, 2010 in Studio 1 of the Slovak Radio in Bratislava. The works recorded were Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, Dance Rhapsody, Opening Remarks, and Celebration Overture. Kirk Trevor conducted the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, and Debra Richtmeyer was an outstanding soloist in the saxophone concerto. The CD also includes Concerto for Horn and Orchestra, recorded in 2007 with soloist Karol Nitran and the Slovak Radio Symphony, conducted by Kirk Trevor.

Redwood Fanfare was performed by the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra on May 7, 2010 at Benjamin Franklin Middle School Auditorium in Ridgewood, New Jersey, conducted by Arkady Leytush. The work was selected as one of three winning compositions in the orchestra's 2009 Fanfare Competition, held in honor of the their 70th anniversary celebration.

Charles Gavin performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with the Orchestra of the Pines on April 24, 2010 in Cole Concert Hall on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus in Nacogdoches, Texas, conducted by Gene Moon. Dr. Gavin is Professor of Horn at SFASU.

The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and principal timpanist Senior Master Sergeant Erica Montgomery performed the Concerto for Timpani and Band six times on their spring April 2010 tour. The performances, conducted by Commander and Music Director Lieutenant Colonel Alan Sierichs, took place between 4/13 and 4/24 in various cities throughout Illinois, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

The world premiere of Dance Rhapsody took place on April 10, 2010 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, and on April 11, 2010 at McAfee Theatre in Saratoga, California. The Palo Alto Philharmonic, who commissioned the piece, was conducted by the composer.

Virtuoso saxophonist Ashu and the Mission Chamber Orchestra performed the world premiere of Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra on February 14, 2010 for an enthusiastic audience at Le Petit Trianon in San Jose, California. The MCO, conducted by Emily Ray, commissioned the concerto for Ashu.

Lee Actor: Violin Concerto (Albany Records TROY1017) was nominated for 2008 "Best of the Year" classical CD by Classical 94.5/WNED in Buffalo, NY.

Patrick Hughes performed Concerto for Horn and Band with the highly acclaimed University of Texas Wind Ensemble on September 27, 2009 in Austin, Texas, conducted by Jerry Junkin. Mr. Hughes is Associate Professor of Horn at the University of Texas at Austin.

Charles Dowd performed Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra with the Oregon Coast Music Festival Orchestra on July 23, 2009 in Coos Bay, Oregon, conducted by Jason Klein. Mr. Dowd is a Philip H. Knight professor of music and a faculty performing artist at the University of Oregon, and is principal timpanist of the Eugene Symphony and several other orchestras.

Bernhard Scully performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra accompanied by pianist Arlene Kies on June 25, 2009 in a recital at the Kendall Betts Horn Camp in Lyman, New Hampshire.

Violinist Alejandro Gómez Guillén performed Meditation for Violin and Orchestra with the Eastern Washington University Orchestra on June 4, 2009 at Showalter Auditorium in Cheney, Washington, conducted by Julián Gómez Giraldo.

Patrick Hughes performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with the St. Olaf Orchestra on May 23, 2009 at Skoglund Auditorium in Northfield, Minnesota, conducted by Steven Amundson. Mr. Hughes is Associate Professor of Horn at the University of Texas at Austin.

Jason Klein led the Saratoga Symphony in the world premiere of Opening Remarks on May 3, 2009 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Saratoga, California.

Percussionist Glenn Webb performed the U.S. premiere of Concerto for Timpani and Band with the Dixie State College Symphony Band on April 16, 2009 in the Concert Hall of the Eccles Fine Arts Center in St. George, Utah, conducted by Gary Caldwell. Mr. Webb is Chairman of the Music Department at Dixie State College.

Bernhard Scully performed the world premiere of Concerto for Horn and Band with the University of South Dakota Symphonic Band on March 23, 2009 in the Colton Recital Hall of the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts on the campus of the University of South Dakota, conducted by Dr. Kenneth Drobnak.

Jeffrey Snedeker performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with the Central Washington University Symphony Orchestra on March 15, 2009 in the Music Building Concert Hall at Central Washington University, conducted by Nikolas Caoile. Dr. Snedeker is Professor of Horn at CWU and is currently in his second term as President of the International Horn Society.

Andrew Levin led the South Carolina Senior All-State Orchestra in a performance of Prelude to a Tragedy on March 1, 2009, in Twichell Auditorium at Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Dr. Levin is an associate professor of music at Clemson University.

Violinist David Felberg, associate concertmaster of the New Mexico Symphony, performed Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with the Palo Alto Philharmonic on February 21, 2009 at Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, and on February 22, 2009 at McAfee Theatre in Saratoga, California, conducted by Thomas Shoebotham.

Pip Clarke performed the South American premiere of Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with the Orquesta Filarmónica del Ecuador on February 19, 2009 at Casa de la Música in Quito, Ecuador, conducted by Music Director Patricio Aizaga. Ms. Clarke, to whom the piece is dedicated, premiered the concerto in 2006.

Timpanist Wen-Ting Huang performed the world premiere of Concerto for Timpani and Band with the National Taiwan Normal University Symphonic Band on February 16, 2009 in Ya-Yinh Concert Hall at National Tainan University, conducted by Professor Shu-Han Yeh.

Violinist Leslie Taylor Warlick performed Meditation for Violin and Orchestra with the Clemson University Symphony Orchestra on December 2, 2008 at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts in Clemson, South Carolina, conducted by Andrew Levin. Dr. Warlick teaches violin and viola in the Department of Performing Arts at Clemson University.

The Nova Vista Symphony has named Lee Actor as Assistant Conductor. Nova Vista was established in 1966 and is based in Northern California in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Horn soloist Bernhard Scully and the Colorado Symphony performed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra to a rousing standing ovation at the 40th International Horn Symposium on July 23, 2008 in Gates Concert Hall at the University of Denver, led by Associate Conductor Scott O'Neil. Mr. Scully is a former member of the world renowned Canadian Brass, and is currently principal horn of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

The Missouri Symphony Orchestra performed Celebration Overture on June 7, 2008 at the gala celebration opening of the newly restored Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts in Columbia, Missouri, conducted by Kirk Trevor.

The Palo Alto Philharmonic performed the encore performance of Celebration Overture, written in honor of their 20th season anniversary, on May 18, 2008 at the Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by the composer.

On May 11, 2008, radio station KUAT-FM in Arizona devoted an entire hour to the newly released Albany Records CD Lee Actor: Violin Concerto. The works played were Concerto for Violin and Orchestra and Symphony No. 2.

Albany Records released the album Lee Actor: Violin Concerto in April 2008. The CD contains Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, with violin soloist Pip Clarke, Symphony No. 2, and Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra, with timpani soloist Stuart Chafetz. Kirk Trevor conducts the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra in all three works.

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Concerto for Horn and Orchestra was selected as First Prize Winner in the 2007 International Horn Society Composition Contest. The IHS, which worldwide has more than 3500 members from 55 countries, received a record number of entries from 16 different nations. An article on the winning compositions appeared in The Horn Call, the official journal of the International Horn Society.

Jason Klein led the Saratoga Symphony in a spirited performance of Symphony No. 2 on January 20, 2008 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Saratoga, California.

The Palo Alto Philharmonic performed the world premiere of Celebration Overture, written in honor of their 20th season anniversary, on October 20, 2007 at the Spangenberg Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by Thomas Shoebotham.

Variations and Fugue for Orchestra was selected as a finalist in the 2007 American Composer Competition of the Columbia Orchestra.

Hornist Christophe Gillet performed the world premiere of Concerto for Horn and Orchestra with the Silicon Valley Symphony, which commissioned the work, on May 19, 2007 at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos in Los Gatos, California, Michael Paul Gibson conducting.  Maestro Gibson and the SVS also performed Prelude to a Tragedy on the same program.

The Peninsula Symphony performed Variations and Fugue for Orchestra on subscription concerts on May 18, 2007 at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, California, and on May 19, 2007 at the Flint Center in Cupertino, California, conducted by Geoffrey Gallegos.

The Palo Alto Philharmonic performed the world premiere of Symphony No. 2 on February 24, 2007 at the Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by the composer.

Pip Clarke, an internationally renowned violinist, performed the world premiere of Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with the Mission Chamber Orchestra on April 22, 2006 at Le Petit Trianon Theatre in San Jose, California, conducted by Emily Ray. The premiere received a rave review in the San Mateo County Times. The MCO commissioned the concerto in honor of their 10th season anniversary.

On March 15, 2006, the American Music Center awarded Lee Actor a grant through their Composer Assistance Program for the premiere of Concerto for Violin and Orchestra.

Jason Klein conducted the Y.O.S.A.C. Symphony Orchestra (senior orchestra of the Youth Orchestras of Southern Alameda County) in a performance of Variations and Fugue for Orchestra on March 12, 2006, at the CSU East Bay University Theatre in Hayward, California.

Stuart Chafetz, principal timpanist of the Honolulu Symphony, performed the world premiere of Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra with the Palo Alto Philharmonic on February 18, 2006 at the Cubberley Theatre in Palo Alto, California, conducted by Ann Krinitsky.

Andrew Levin conducted the Clemson University Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Prelude to a Tragedy on November 29, 2005, in Clemson, South Carolina.

Kirk Trevor conducted the Ball State Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Prelude to a Tragedy on October 2, 2005 at the Sursa Performance Hall on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Variations and Fugue for Orchestra was selected as a finalist in the 2005 Composition Competition of the Holyoke Civic Symphony.

MMC Recordings released the album Lee Actor - Music for Orchestra in June 2005. The CD features performances by Kirk Trevor and the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra.

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Prelude to a Tragedy was selected as a finalist in the Columbia Orchestra's 2005 American Composer Competition.

Volume Five of the Masterworks of the New Era CD series, including Robert Ian Winstin's recording of Prelude to a Tragedy with the Kiev Philharmonic, was released by ERM Media in March 2005.

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