Composer-in-Residence: Ian A. Cook

​We are thrilled to share that Ian A. Cook is the MPLS (imPulse) Composer-in-Residence for our 2019-2020 season! This will be a season-long collaboration between MPLS (imPulse) and Cook to create multiple new works for MPLS (imPulse) to perform. The ensemble has enjoyed performing Cook's work in previous seasons and looks forward to all that is to come in our sixth season!

Ian A. Cook is a Minnesota-based award-winning composer whose music has been performed across North America. His work is often inspired by the interrelatedness of ideas, phrases, and voices through history, time, or space. He often explores linearity, narrative, interplay, context, and change, yielding music that has been described as cinematic and captivating. He has received commissions and performances from prominent ensembles and festivals, including the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, the Northern Symphony Orchestra, MPLS (imPulse), Caprice Saxophone Quartet, and the Aries Composers Festival, and he enjoys regular collaboration with Aliro Voices.

Ian is also an active performer as a trombonist and vocalist. He currently sings with the National Lutheran Choir, Aliro Voices, and MPLS (imPulse), and has sung previously with Magnum Chorum. Ian holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College, where he studied Music Theory and Composition, Instrumental Music Education, and Educational Studies under teachers such as Justin Merritt, Timothy Mahr, Christopher Aspaas, and Steven Amundson.