High School Graduate, Justin Weiss, Class of 2017
Justin Weiss is making waves in the world of contemporary music. A versatile artist, he is a composer, conductor, and theorist whose work challenges the boundaries of the genre.
Based at Concordia University, Weiss served as the Susan and Ford Schumann Composition Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival in the summer of 2025. His research focuses on the perception and phenomenology of silence, stillness, and fragility in contemporary music, a unique perspective that sets him apart in the field.
Weiss's music has been performed by esteemed ensembles worldwide, including the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Quatuor Diotima, Grossman Ensemble, and many more. His compositions have earned him numerous awards and recognitions, such as the Charles Ives Scholarship, the League of Composers/ISCM Prize, the Prix Langage Musical, and awards from institutions like ASCAP, Society of Composers, Inc., and The American Prize.
Weiss's music is a captivating exploration of time, energy, and transformation. It immerses the listener in dramatic and vibrant sonic worlds, a testament to his ability to create powerful and evocative musical experiences. His compositions often utilise collective textural play and melodically driven lyricism, creating a unique sonic language that resonates with audiences.
In addition to his compositional work, Weiss is also a conductor and the co-artistic/executive director and conductor for the contemporary music ensemble, Mycelium New Music. His music has been presented at conferences and festivals worldwide, showcasing his commitment to sharing his work with a global audience.
Weiss has presented his research at prestigious conferences such as the Music Theory Southeast, the Research on Contemporary Composition Conference, and the Manhattan International Composers Conference. His work on the relationships between the visual arts and sound is a significant part of his research, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to music creation.
In a world where contemporary music continues to evolve and push boundaries, Justin Weiss stands as a shining example of an artist who is not only contributing to this evolution but also challenging and inspiring others to do the same. His work, both as a composer and a theorist, is a testament to his passion for music and his commitment to exploring its depths.
