School of Music alumnus Stephen Montague, who completed a DMA in music composition in 1972, will be the featured composer for Ohio State's Contemporary Music Festival in November. One of his orchestral works, Dark Sun - August, 1945 will be among the selections performed during the festival. This work for large orchestra, chorus, 20 percussionists, 3 radios, wine glasses, and air raid sirens was written in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Also included in Montague's November 11-16 residency is a new commissioned work for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Montague has been in Europe since 1972 and in London since 1974, where he works as a freelance composer in the classical field. He looks forward to spending time in Columbus for the first time in many years.

See also the feature article "Alumnus Stephen Montague's Compositions Celebrated in the UK" on the Arts and Sciences website.

Photo: Stephen Montague, Barbican Centre, London, 2011