The Department of Music is pleased to share that California Symphony will welcome UChicago graduate composer Paul Novak as its next Composer-in-Residence from fall 2026 through spring 2029.
California Symphony’s Composer-in-Residence Program gives early-career professional composers or graduate students in composition the opportunity to work with a professional orchestra over an extended period, composing a new orchestral work each season for three seasons and visiting the orchestra and community multiple times to build experience and relationships. Unique to this residency, Artistic and Music Director Donato Cabrera and the full orchestra offer three 30-minute workshops, providing an opportunity for the composer to experiment with sound and ideas in real time.
“I'm so honored to be the next Composer-in-Residence of the California Symphony,” Novak says. “I look forward to collaborating with this fantastic and forward-thinking orchestra, which has a legacy of championing contemporary music, and following in the footsteps of some of my favorite composers. As a composer, I strongly believe in the power of music to build community, and I can't wait to connect with audiences in Walnut Creek and share my music with them.”
Composer Pierre Jalbert, who was California Symphony’s Composer-in-Residence from 1999 to 2002, says, “I was elated to learn that Paul Novak will be the next California Symphony Composer-in-Residence. Paul is an extremely talented composer and his music is full of energy, color, and drama. Many years ago, the residency had a huge impact on me as a composer and I know that Paul will gain so much from it as well. It was through this residency with the California Symphony and Barry Jekowsky that my music eventually traveled to the Boston Symphony, London Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and around the world. Having an orchestra read and try out different ideas is a composer's dream, and the practical as well as sonic lessons are lifelong. Congratulations to Paul and I look forward to hearing his new works!”