Tyler Futrell (b. 1983) is an eclectic Oslo-based composer working primarily with the concert situation and live performance. Originally from northern California, after studying with Lee Hyla at the New England Conservatory, and then Bent Sørensen at the Royal Danish Academy of Music (which included a year with Michael Jarrell at the University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna), he moved to Norway, where he became a dual citizen.
Since then, Futrell has worked with many ensembles festivals both within Norway and internationally, such as The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir, The Trondheim Soloists, the London Contemporary Orchestra Soloists, Athelas Sinfonietta, Bit20, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Wiener Concert-verein Orchestra, and the Engegård, Sonar, and Bozzini string quartets. These collaborations and others saw venues such as Ultima Festival, Klang Festival, Oslo International Church Music Festival, Nordic Music Days, Jordan Hall, King’s Place, St. Paul’s Hall, Borealis Festival, Weimar Spring Days, and Institute del Teatre.
His work often attempts to synthesise almost contradictory historical branches, and often uses space as part of the musical logic or transmission of meaning. Direct choreographing of the bodies of the musicians, including without sound, is also not uncommon. Influences include musique concrète instrumentale, “holy" Minimalism, late Romanticism, Spectralism, formalism, and contemporary choreography and theatre. In balancing these disparate interests, recent work has shown an increased willingness to lean towards a more broadly situated language, particularly with regards to emotional movement. However, the challenge and goal remains a coherent music with equal access to intellectual interest and perceptual fascination as well.
Futrell has received various stipends and prizes, most recently a 3-year Government Grant for Artists (Statens Kunstnerstipend), a development grant (Fordypningsstipend) from The Composers’ Remuneration Fund (Komponistenes vederlagsfond), and a grant from the Ingerid, Synnøve and Elias Fegersten Foundation. His work is published by Edition Wilhelm Hansen and the Norwegian National Library.
