Draft:Mary Kouyoumdjian

Mary Kouyoumdjian is a composer and documentarian. Her compositions span a range of genres from formal concert works to film scores to multimedia collaborations that often involve many other artists. Influenced significantly by her identity as an Armenian-American, her music draws inspiration from both her personal experiences and those of her family. Kouyoumdjian has commissioned works for a wide variety of ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Roomful of Teeth, Los Angeles New Music Ensemble, and Experiments in Opera, among others. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Composition at Boston Conservatory and a Lecturer at Columbia University. She has also been a faculty member at The New School, Brooklyn College’s School of Cinema, Mannes Prep, and New York Philharmonic’s Very Young Composers Program. She continues to compose to this day and currently has three works in progress.

Education and Early Influences
Mary Kouyoumdjian’s musical journey began in early childhood, driven by her parent’s suggestion to explore music at a young age. This early exposure was deeply rooted in the significance of music within Armenian culture, a theme that Kouyoumdjian herself has explored. Kouyoumdjian studied composition at Columbia University, earning her D.M.A. and M.A studying primarily with Zosha Di Castri, Georg Friedrich Haas, Fred Lerdahl, and George Lewis. She also received an M.A. from New York University in Scoring for Film & Multimedia, and a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego in Music Composition where she studied with Chaya Czernowin, Steven Kazuo Takasugi, Anthony Davis, Steven Schick, and Chinary Ung. The beginning of her compositional career began in 2001 and since then, Kouyoumdjian’s creative direction has evolved, transitioning from more traditional concert compositions into more experimental, multi-media documentary works.

Career Overview
Kouyoumdjian has received commissions for such organizations as the New York Philharmonic, Kronos Quartet, Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Beth Morrison Projects/OPERA America, Alarm Will Sound, Bang on a Can, International Contemporary Ensemble, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, American Composers Forum, Roomful of Teeth, WQXR-FM, REDSHIFT, Experiments in Opera, Helen Simoneau Danse, the Nouveau Classical Project, Music of Remembrance, Friction Quartet, Ensemble Oktoplus, and the Los Angeles New Music Ensemble among others. Her work has been performed internationally at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MASS MoCA, the Barbican Centre, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Millennium Park, Benaroya Hall, Prototype Festival, the New York Philharmonic Biennial, Cabrillo Festival, Big Ears Festival, 21C Music Festival, and Cal Performances. Her residencies include those with EMPAC, Buffalo String Works, Alarm Will Sound/The Mizzou International Composers Festival, Roulette/The Jerome Foundation, Montalvo Arts Center, and Exploring the Metropolis. Her music has been described as “eloquently scripted" and "emotionally wracking” by The New York Times and as "politically fearless" and "the most harrowing moments on stage at any New York performance" by New York Music Daily. In her work as a composer, orchestrator, and music editor for film, she has collaborated on a diverse array of motion pictures including writing the original score for documentary An Act of Worship (Capital K Pictures and PBS’s POV Docs) and orchestrating on the soundtracks to The Place Beyond the Pines (Focus Features) and Demonic (Dimension Films). Dedicated to new music advocacy, Kouyoumdjian is a Co-Founder of the annual new music conference ﻿New Music Gathering, served as the founding Executive Director of contemporary music ensemble Hotel﻿ Elefant, and served as Co-Artistic Director of Alaska's new music festival Wild Shore New Music. As an avid educator, Kouyoumdjian is on composition faculty at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University and The New School; she has previously been on faculty at Columbia University, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Brooklyn College's Feirstein School of Cinema, Mannes Prep, and the New York Philharmonic's Very Young Composers program. Kouyoumdjian is proud to have her music published by Schott's PSNY and is based in Brooklyn, NY.”

Instrumentation and Themes within Works
            Mary Kouyoumdjian’s compositions incorporate her Armenian heritage as well as her background in composition and film scoring. She often blends heritage instrumentation with modern techniques to create music that is unique and experimental. This fusion of “old and new” is particularly important to her work in music as documentary. Kouyoumdjian asserts that music can serve as an avenue for exploring difficult topics. This is particularly apparent in her works that engage with heavy subjects such as the Armenian Genocide and Lebanese Civil War, both of which had profound influences on her family. Reflecting on her personal experiences, Kouyoumdjian describes never speaking to her parents or grandparents about their experiences during wartime. Instead, she uses music as a way of understanding and connecting to their experiences. This, alongside her background as a documentarian, shapes Kouyoumdjian’s body of work to be intensely historical, political, and empathetic. The goal of her pieces is to connect audiences to the experiences of those very different from them, using music as a powerful tool for connection and for humanization. Kouyoumdjian’s desire to give voice to the voiceless is evident in her use of music as a storytelling method, illustrated well in pieces like Silent Cranes. Although she describes the subject matter of many of her works as dark, she emphasizes that music is a safe and important way in which to engage with dark and difficult subjects.

List of Works
Mary Kouyoumdjian has composed a total of 57 pieces including solo, small ensemble, and large ensemble works. Her diverse repertoire consists of opera, voice, and chorus pieces, orchestra pieces, theater and dance pieces, as well as mixed-media music documentary pieces. Her works comprise a mixture of commissions and personal compositions. 3 of her 57 pieces are currently in progress.

Musical Documentary
Odaraganeen Sharagan [Stranger’s Song] (2004) - Soprano, Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Percussion, Audio Playback

2 Suitcases (2017) - Flute, Clarinet, Piano, Vibraphone, Violin, Cello, Audio Playback

Dandelion [For Andie Springer] (2010) - Violin, Audio Playback

This Should Feel Like Home (2013) - Flute, Alto Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Percussion, Piano, Electric Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Audio Playback, Live Processing

Bombs of Beirut (2014) - Amplified String Quartet, Audio Playback, Live Processing

Silent Cranes (2015) - String Quartet, Audio Playback, Live Processing

Become Who I Am (2015) - Chorus (Soprano/Alto), String Quartet, Audio Playback

Paper Pianos: “You Are Not The Kid” (2016) - Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Bass Trombone, Percussion, Piano, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Electronic Playback

I Can Barely Look (2016) - Chorus (Soprano/Alto), Flute Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello, Contrabass

Mustard Sweatshirts Are Forever (2019) - Acapella Voice Octet and Narrator

They Would Only Walk (2020) - String Quintet and String Ensemble, Audio Playback

They Will Take My Island (2020) - String Octet, Audio Playback

Paper Pianos (2022) - Sinfonietta, Audio Playback

New Work for NY Philharmonic (WIP) - Orchestra

Solo
Project 173 (2005) - Piano, Audio Playback

Aghavni (Doves) (2009) - Piano

Dandelion [For Andie Springer] (2010) - Violin, Audio Playback

Unearthed (2014) - Piano, Audio Playback

The Heaviness of Air (2015) - Cello, Audio Playback

The Revolt of the Stars (2018) - Cello (doubling on voice), Audio Playback

Peony (2019) - Flute, Audio Playback

I Haven’t The Words (2020) - Piano

Water and Dust (2020) - Violin

Hill And Valley (2021) - Viola

And There Was (2021) - Cello (doubling on voice)

Small Ensemble
Mamababa (2002) - Piano, Contrabass, Drum Kit, Percussion

The Place Between Lightning and Thunder (2003) - Soprano, Alto, 4 Talking Drums, Marimba, Paper, Bodies

Perspectives (2004) - String Trio, Audio Playback

Kaleidoscope (2004) - Piano, Electric Guitar, Contrabass, Drum Kit

Llevara Mi Silencio [Wear My Silence] II (2006) - String Quartet

A Little Elbow Grease (2006) - Alto Saxophone, Piano, Electric Guitar, Contrabass, Drum Kit

Turtle Dove (2006) - Soprano Saxophone, Piano, Vibraphone, Marimba

Ciel Brouille [Cloudy Sky] (2010) - Soprano, Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Piano, Turntable, Audio Playback

2 Suitcases (2010) - Violin, Cello, Bass Clarinet, Piano, Audio Playback

Moerae [The Fates] (2010) - Violin, Cello, Piano

Dzov Yerku Kooynov [Sea of Two Colors] (2011) - Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Piano

I Am A Fish [A One-Act Opera] (2012) - Countertenor, Piano, Electric Guitar, Violin, Contrabass, Audio Playback

Children of Conflict: “Samar’s Song” (2013) - Violin, Percussion, Audio Playback

Tagh (Diary) Of An Immigrant (2013) - Two Violins, Viola, Cello, Contrabass

Bombs of Beirut (2014) - Amplified String Quartet, Audio Playback, Live Processing

Groung [Crane] (2014) - String Quartet

Silent Cranes (2015) - String Quartet, Audio Playback, Live Processing

Children of Conflict: “A Boy And A Makeshift Toy” (2015) -  Viola, Piano

For Audrey (2015) - Cello, Piano (Film)

“Where Once” From Gorky (2016) - Baritone Voice, Bass Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Electronic Playback

To Open Myself, To Scream (2017) - Clarinet, Trumpet, Violin, Cello, Contrabass, Audio Playback (Film)

2 Suitcases (2017) - Flute, Clarinet, Piano, Vibraphone, Violin, Cello, Audio Playback (revision)

“Pleasures of Plenty” From Words On The Street - Soprano, Piano

They Will Take My Island (2020) - String Octet, Audio Playback (Film)

I Haven’t The Words (2020) - String Quartet (Piano Solo Also Available)

Large Ensemble
The Hip One (2001) - Mixed Jazz Ensemble

Odaraganeen Sharagan [Stranger’s Song] (2004) - Soprano, Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Percussion, Audio Playback

Le Bord De L’Infini (2006) - Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Percussion

With Heart (2008) - Orchestra

This Should Feel Like Home (2013) - Flute, Alto Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Percussion, Piano, Electric Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Audio Playback, Live Processing

Become Who I Am (2015) - Chorus (Soprano/Alto), String Orchestra (expansion from String Quartet), Audio Processing

Paper Pianos: “You Are Not The Kid” (2016) - Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Bass Trombone, Percussion, Piano, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Electronic Playback

I Can Barely Look (2016) - Chorus (Soprano/Alto), Flute Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello, Contrabass

The Vanishing Dark (2017) - Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Trombone, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello, Contrabass, Audio Playback

You Came Into My Dream (2019) - Open Brass Ensemble, Audio Playback

They Would Only Walk (2020) - String Quintet and String Ensemble, Audio Playback

Walking With Ghosts (2022) - Bass Clarinet Concert with Soloist and Orchestra

Adoration (2023) - Opera Cast, String Quartet, Audio Playback

Paper Pianos (2022) - Sinfonietta, Audio Playback

New Work for NY Philharmonic (WIP) - Orchestra

Orchestral
The Hip One (2001) - Mixed Jazz Ensemble

Odaraganeen Sharagan [Stranger’s Song] (2004) - Soprano, Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Percussion, Audio Playback

Le Bord De L’Infini (2006) - Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Percussion

With Heart (2008) - Orchestra

This Should Feel Like Home (2013) - Flute, Alto Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Percussion, Piano, Electric Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Audio Playback, Live Processing

Become Who I Am (2015) - Chorus (Soprano/Alto), String Orchestra (expansion from String Quartet), Audio Processing

Paper Pianos: “You Are Not The Kid” (2016) - Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Bass Trombone, Percussion, Piano, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Electronic Playback

I Can Barely Look (2016) - Chorus (Soprano/Alto), Flute Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello, Contrabass

The Vanishing Dark (2017) - Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Trombone, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello, Contrabass, Audio Playback

You Came Into My Dream (2019) - Open Brass Ensemble, Audio Playback

They Would Only Walk (2020) - String Quintet and String Ensemble, Audio Playback

Walking With Ghosts (2022) - Bass Clarinet Concert with Soloist and Orchestra

Adoration (2023) - Opera Cast, String Quartet, Audio Playback

Paper Pianos (2022) - Sinfonietta, Audio Playback

New Work for NY Philharmonic (WIP) - Orchestra

Vocal Works
Odaraganeen Sharagan [Stranger’s Song] (2004) - Soprano, Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Percussion, Audio Playback

Ciel Brouille [Cloudy Sky] (2010) - Soprano, Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Piano, Turntable, Audio Playback

Gantsrevah D’Ghas [It Is Raining My Son] (2010) - Mezzo-Soprano, Violin, Cello, Piano

I Am A Fish [A One-Act Opera] (2012) - Countertenor, Piano, Electric Guitar, Violin, Contrabass, Audio Playback

“Everlastingness” From Gorky (2015) - Baritone Voice, Viola, Piano

Become Who I Am (2015) - Chorus (Soprano/Alto), String Quartet, Audio Playback

“Where Once” From Gorky (2016) - Baritone Voice, Bass Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Electronic Playback

I Can Barely Look (2016) - Chorus (Soprano/Alto), Flute Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello, Contrabass

“Pleasures of Plenty” From Words On The Street (2018) - Soprano, Piano

Mustard Sweatshirts Are Forever (2019) - Acapella Voice Octet and Narrator

And There Was (2021) - Cello Doubling on Voice

Adoration (2023) - Opera Cast, String Quartet, Audio Playback

Theater and Dance
The Heaviness of Air (2015) - Cello, Audio Playback (Dance)

Red on Red (2017) - Fixed Media (Dance)

“Pleasures of Plenty” From Words On The Street (2018) - Soprano, Piano

Darling (2020) - Sampled Voice and Violins, Fixed Media Audio Playback

Water and Dust (2020) - Solo Violin and Dance

Paper Pianos (2022) - Sinfonietta, Audio Playback

Adoration (2023) - Opera Cast, String Quartet

Film and T.V.
Keith Cafferty: Pharmacist (2006) - Short, directed by Aimee Gilette

Smile (2006) - Composer

My Brother’s Keeper (2007) - Composer

Picture in a Fram (2007) - Composer

Cellfish (2007) - Composer

Empty (2008) - Composer

Trenches (2008) - Composer

Corpse Run (2008) - Music Editor

Small Voices (2008) - Composer

Float (2008) - Music Editor

No One Island (2008) - Music Editor

Bloody Baby Blue (2009) - Composer

Eminent Domain (2009) - Composer

Star Trek, Henglaar, M.D. (2009) - Composer (Unknown Episodes)

The Five Pillars (2009) - Composer

Mother Daughter (2009) - Composer

Never Winter (2010) - Composer (Theme Music)

A Number’s Game (2010) - Music Editor

Dandelion [For Andie Springer] (2010) - Composer

The Big C (2010-2011) - Music Engineer

Alice in Andrew’s Land (2011) - Composer

That Girl, That Time (2011) - Composer

The Place Beyond The Pines (2012) - Music Orchestrator

The Misadventures of the Dunderheads (2012) - Music Editor

Life of a King (2013) - Music Orchestrator

Night Porter (2013) - Composer

Demonic (2015) - Asisstant Music Orchestrator

The Lot (2015) - Composer

Silent Cranes (2015) - Composer

For Audrey (2015) - Composer

They Will Take My Island (2020) - Composer

An Act of Worship (2022) - Composer

Discography
-       Dandelion [for Andie Springer], recorded by Andie Tanning

-       Byblos, recorded by Duo Noire

-       The Revolt of the Stars, recorded by Caitlyn Sullivan

-       I Can Barely Look, recorded by Brooklyn Youth Chorus and International Contemporary Ensemble

-       Aghavni [Doves], recorded by Lara Downes

-       Aghavni [Doves], recorded by Nicholas Phillips