Biography
Coordinator of Curriculum and Vocal Composition
Philip Seward has worked internationally as a composer, conductor, pianist, tenor and teacher. In 2013 How To Date A Coloratura, Philip’s chamber opera was one of three finalists at the National Opera Association Chamber Opera Competition. In the same year another opera, Eve, premiered as a part of Midwest New Musical’s series of new works in concert. Highlight’s of Mr. Seward’s compositions include productions of Les Dames á trios…et piano at the Kaye Playhouse in New York City and the Stages Festival in Chicago; High Fidelity at Merkin Hall in New York City and the Chicago Humanities Festival; and Jeff Award-winning Hans Brinker.
The world renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago commissioned numerous piece that include, Stone Soup, A Noteworthy Tale, and African Stories. These works were produced in Chicago, Toledo Opera, Memphis Opera, and Pensacola Opera among others. The Lira Ensemble of Chicago also commissioned works by Philip Seward including Blessing premiering on WFMT radio. Another piece for chorus and orchestra, Sonnet, was performed at the Chicago’s Symphony Center.
Upcoming recording releases include How To Date A Coloratura and The Rose Prologues both with soprano Patrice Boyd and conductor Gregory Buchalter. Both albums will be released soon on iTunes and Amazon joining other albums of his including The Piano Album: Songs from Atonality, The Holiday Album: Songs from Atonality, Juan Peron's Hand, Home, Hans Brinker, and Les Dames à trios...et piano.
As a pianist Philip Seward has performed his compositions for piano as well as other contemporary composers all over the United States and in Europe including stops in Holland, Germany and Poland. As a singer Seward sang the role of Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus for Intimate Opera; John Jasper in The Mystery of Edwin Drood; Lt. Cable in South Pacific; the prince in R & H Cinderella. Other productions featuring Philip Seward include The Beggar’s Opera, A Chorus Of Disapproval, The American Clock, Happy End, and The Phantom of the Opera. Internationally he performed Art Song recitals in Rzeszów and Wroclaw in Poland.
Philip Seward is the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award that he received during his teaching career at Columbia College Chicago. Aside from his composing, performing and teaching Philip also conducts the choir at St. James Presbyterian Church, the Edgewater Singers and completed his DMA in Composition with Dr. Stephen Davismoon at the University of Salford.
Mr. Seward’s publisher for his choral music – Porfiri & Horvath. Other music is available through his website: philipseward.com.
Instructional Areas
Composition, Piano, Analysis, Aural Skills, Critical Listening, Theory
Creative Practice and Research Interests
Opera, Vocal Music, Chamber Music, Music Theatre, Language
Degrees
B.A., Music and Theatre Wabash College 1982
M.A., Theatre Northwestern University 1984
D.M.A., Musical Arts University of Salford 2014