Composer In Residence
Dan Lawitts, CCO Composer-in-Residence
In 2000, the Concord Chamber Orchestra (CCO) designated Dan Lawitts our Composer-in-Residence. In this capacity, Dan has produced several acclaimed works especially for the CCO. The first, Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm, incorporated a myriad of percussion instruments into a work written for orchestra inspired by and based on the book of the same name. The piece was given its world premiere by the CCO in May of 2000. In October of 2000, Dan composed a piece for the CCO with Bayan virtuoso Stas Venglevski as the soloist. That dazzling work, entitled Bayan and Beyond, was given its world premiere, featuring Stas Venglevski, during the 2002-03 season. To open the 2004-05 season, Dan composed Greeting for the Concord conducting premiere of Jamin Hoffman, and to introduce our guest artists, the Kokyo Taiko Drum troupe from Chicago.
Daniel Lawitts' musical experiences are a testament to his diverse background. In addition to the CCO, Dan performs with the Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra (a jazz/swing band from the Chicago area), and Moshe Skier Band. Dan has been featured in numerous performances, including a solo performance with the State University of New York at Geneseo Concert Band, and a duet performance at the International Saxophone Congress. His Bachelor's of Music degree in Music Education is from the State University of New York at Fredonia, with additional graduate work from the University of Michigan and VanderCook College. He has studied with many notable instructors, including Ted Small (Denver Symphony), Herb Flower (Syracuse Symphony), Salvatore Rabbio (Detroit Symphony), Linda Siegel (Milwaukee Symphony), and Ted Frazeur (Chautauqua Symphony). In addition to his orchestral works, Dan has written many works for marimba, either alone or in combination with other instruments, including four duets for marimba and oboe, two duets for flute and marimba, and one for violin and marimba. Currently, Dan is investigating a possible return to teaching.
