Michael Gilbertson

Tragedy Tomorrow

            Gilbertson is a native of Iowa who has studied at the Juilliard School in New York with some well-known composers, including John Corigliano, and who has garnered enviable success with American orchestras and awards committees.  Characterized by the young composer as inspired by his encounter with images of New York City during the 1920s, this work is a dark reflection, indeed.  The composer cites the “Art Deco” style of the times (a French style, essentially, and most call the American version “Depression Modern”), and expresses hope that its “glamour and elegance” is redolent in  “Tragedy Tomorrow.”  Expanding the thought, he also cites George Gershwin as inspiration for the work, as well.  Considering that the 1930s followed, the evocative title seems appropriate.

Trumpet Concerto

            Gilbertson is a native of Dubuque, Iowa, who at the age of thirty is fast developing a reputation of one America’s most respected and successful young composers.  Active as a composer while still a youth in high school, his relationship with the local symphony provided him with ample opportunities to hear and learn from the realizations of his musical imagination.  This led to a portfolio of works that took him to the Juilliard School in New York, and then on to Yale University.   His composition teachers at those august institutions include such luminaries as John Corigliano, Samuel Adler, Christopher Rouse, and Christopher Theofanidis—all of whom are leading contemporary American composers, familiar to symphony audiences.