Composer Lawrence Dillon creates music that embraces our moment with a deep connection to
the past and an open-minded curiosity about the future. Writing about Dillon’s "Through
the Night" (commissioned and premiered by the Emerson String Quartet) Stringendo called
him “a superb composer… Dillon’s music is eminently approachable, intensely passionate
and filled with surprises.”
Sly and mysterious…arresting and appealing… Just when you thought the string quartet
may have reached the edge of sonic possibilities, along comes a composer who makes
something novel, haunting and whimsical of the genre… Highly recommended.
Gramophone on "Insects and Paper Airplanes"
The music of composer Lawrence Dillon melds whimsy and mystery in an oddly irresistible
fashion. His pieces have a magnetism that has earned him the attention and acclaim
of the musical world, with famous ensembles commissioning works written by his award-winning
hand.
NPR
In addition to being a remarkably skilled composer, he is one of the greatest teachers
and mentors I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
Former Student
Dr. Dillon is a tireless advocate for his students, providing them with every imaginable
opportunity for performances, recordings, and exposure to current trends and notable
figures in the art form.
Former Student
He arranges recording sessions with professional ensembles and even extends these
opportunities to the undergraduates. I gather that these kinds of opportunities are
incredibly rare for students of composition at other institutions across the country,
and I feel truly privileged to have been afforded them through his efforts.
Former Student
He is a guide, a sounding board, a sharp set of ears and eyes for [his students’]
work, a balancing force … and a professional model in every way.
Former Student
As one of the foremost American composers of contemporary concert music, Dillon's
understanding of the craft of composition is without parallel; however, he always
pairs that understanding with an attitude of guidance and nurturing.
Former Student
Dillon has as much concern for the long-term needs of the student's creativity as
he has for the immediate needs of the work-in-progress.
Former Student
As a teacher, he cultivates composers as well as compositions.
Former Student
When I recommend UNCSA's music program to a student, I do so in no small part because
of Dillon's presence there.
Former Student
Dr. Dillon has served as a transformational force in my creative life, providing –
more than any other source – the means by which I grew as a composer and artist.
Former Student
I have difficulty imagining where I would be today without his help – but I suspect
it’s a place I would prefer not to be.
Former Student
Credentials
Guest composer residencies include Curtis Institute of Music, SUNY Stony Brook, Wintergreen
Summer Arts Festival, Charles Ives Center, Saugatuck Festival, Swannanoa Chamber Music
Festival, Killington Festival, The Colburn School of Music, Seisen International School,
St. Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, The Hartt School of Music, Indiana University,
Charlotte New Music Festival, Boise State University, University of California Sacramento,
Eastern Michigan University, Eastern Carolina University and The Buckley School
Career Highlights
Commissions include Emerson String Quartet, Seattle Chamber Music Society, Louisville
Orchestra, Wintergreen Summer Arts Festival, Daedalus String Quartet, Idyllwild Symphony,
Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival, Salt Lake Symphony, Boise Philharmonic, Low and
Lower, University of Utah, Danielle Belén, Killington Festival, Illuminations Festival,
Elaine Richey, Winston-Salem Symphony, Bluthner Piano Series and Carolina Chamber
Symphony
Awards, Recognitions & Honors
First Prize, Ravinia Festival Composer Competition
