Biographies
Short
     Oscar creates works that focus on human experience and connection with nature. He loves to use sound art as a medium of play, to express whimsy and lighthearted joy as well as existential frustration. He has written for a broad range of diverse ensembles including Hub New Music, TAK, and Western Michigan University’s Symphony Orchestra. Oscar is also a collaborative violist, working with composers and performers within the state of Michigan and at Western Michigan University. Oscar enjoys exploring new textural and timbral spaces as well as playing with found objects.
     In addition to writing music, Oscar enjoys foraging, baking, taking care of his plants, and going to concerts around Kalamazoo. He currently lives in Kalamazoo pursuing his bachelors in music at Western Michigan University.
Artist Statement
     I am a composer and violist based in Kalamazoo, Michigan who takes inspiration from the interconnectedness of the natural world. Collaborating with other artists is my favorite way to create. I enjoy writing for chamber groups, soloists, and orchestras, with a focus on vibrant color palates and sounds. Much of my work has been inspired by composers such as Mario Davidovsky, Stravinsky, and Rochberg. Expressing
processes and ideas from the natural world in sonic form is a great passion of mine. Cycles of regrowth or human interactions with ecology are both examples.
     Participating in middle and high-school orchestra showed me that music can be a powerful tool for bringing together communities and individuals and helped me develop deep connections with my peers. Because of this, I work at a nonprofit after school elementary music program with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. I also collaborate with local groups, such as the Shoreline Community Orchestra in Muskegon, Michigan. Additionally, continuing the tradition of performing new music is important to me, so founding the Splatter Project ensemble, a student led group that performs contemporary music and collaborates with
local composers, has been one of my favorite parts of my college career. Bringing other artists' work to life through performance is incredibly fulfilling to me.
     I also enjoy spending a lot of time taking care of my garden or playing games like Magic the Gathering with my friends. Conservation work also holds a special place in my heart, and I love to volunteer at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Taking care of the environment helps me feel connected with my community and the world, and gives me inspiration for writing music.