One thing about 21st century composers is that they come from just about any musical background you can think of. This includes those who compose by utilizing improvisation, those who come from the more traditional conservatory models, and even some who found composition through rock music. Hey there – I’m Loki Karuna, and on this edition of Noteworthy it’s an orchestral take on a work originally for rock band, by composer Anuj Bhutani.
Anuj Bhutani is a Los Angeles-based composer whose artistry transcends any one genre. In response to a winter storm in Texas, he wrote a tune for his band called After the Freeze, which explored feelings of isolation during a time when people were facing unprecedented challenge. Well after, After the Freeze, he created this orchestral version of the work, performed here by the American Composers Orchestra back in 2024.
Since this 2024 performance, Anuj Bhutani’s profile as an orchestral composer has widely expanded, with additional performances of this work taking place as far as Seoul, South Korea! His music knows no bounds, as proven here, making him one of today’s most Noteworthy composers.
Noteworthy is a production of WDAV classical public radio.