Biography

Noted for music that is "sophisticated and intriguing" (The Washington Post), Erich Stem has developed an expansive repertoire encompassing symphonic projects, chamber music, and interdisciplinary collaborations, earning distinction for a musical style described as “unique and beautiful”(Boston Theatre Review) and one that “breaks minimalism apart” (A Closer Listen).

Stem integrates music with other art forms in recent works like Shenandoah, a piece for orchestra commissioned by James Madison University that premiered in 2022 alongside a film featuring Louisville Ballet dancer, Ashley Thursby. This collaboration brought together music and movement to explore the rich natural beauty and history of the Shenandoah Valley. Similarly, Kayak for Marimba, Vibraphone, and Orchestra, commissioned by National Symphony Orchestra percussionist Scott Christian and conducted by David Neely, further explores the experience of being connected to nature. Throughout his career, groups such as the Minnesota Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and many others have performed Stem’s orchestral works across the United States.

His upcoming project, a symphonic work commissioned by Symphonicity, will tell a compelling story about Virginia Beach’s cultural landmarks through music and, in part, the words of Virginia poet, Claudia Emerson. Part of the work will be performed in Northern Ireland (summer 2025), with a full U.S. premiere at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts to follow (October 2025). The project also includes plans for a recording initiative, featuring permanent installations throughout the city with placards that connect listeners directly to the music.

Chamber Music and Recordings

Stem’s chamber music has been performed extensively across the United States and internationally, including performances in New York City, Boston,Los Angeles, Miami, Baltimore, Washington DC, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Romania. His albums have been featured on numerous radio broadcasts nationwide and has been the feature on several podcasts about new music. Today, you can hear his chamber music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, to name a few. Most recently, his 2022 work re:CONNECT for clarinet duet debuted at theInternational Clarinet Association’s 50th Anniversary ClarinetFest and has since been performed internationally, including at the European ClarinetCongress in the Netherlands.

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