Composer/guitarist Jay Derderian's body of work has developed into a diverse and eclectic sound world, and to date has compiled a catalog of compositions that includes film music, incidental music, chamber, electronic, electro-acoustic, solo, and symphonic pieces. He strives to remove the stigma of elitism of the classical concert hall and make contemporary/post-classical music accessible and relevant to modern culture and society. Jay cites his influences from a diverse range of mediums including John Corigliano, Aaron Jay Kernis, Tan Dun, Krzystof Penderecki, Witold Lutoslawski, and Mark Z. Danielewski, among others. Jay recently completed his graduate and undergraduate work in composition at Portland State University where he studied with Dr. Brad Hansen, Dr. Bonnie Miksch, and Bryan Johanson. Jay's music has been performed all over Oregon. He has received commissions from local film directors for original soundtracks, Portland State students, and collaborated with New York-based artist Scott Wayne Indiana on the “album in a day” project, where a full length CD of 12 tracks was written, rehearsed and recorded in 8 hours, all using musicians who have never met or played with each other before. Jay’s music has been performed by the Portland State New Music Ensemble, Cascadia Composers, Portland New Music Society, Portland Classical Revolution and has had his music featured in the Monmouth New Music festival, the College Music Society, Portland Classical Revolution and the Think Lincoln Concert Series. Jay is actively involved in a number of music groups in Portland including PDX New Music Society, Portland Classical Revolution and Cascadia Composers. All of these organizations are devoted to the performance and promotion of new music in the community and abroad.
Web: http://library.newmusicusa.org/Jay_Derderian (2020)