Chris Arrell is a celebrated composer and teacher. His incredible works have led to commissions from many prestigious organizations including Spivey Hall, Cornell University, and the Fromm Foundation at Harvard University. He has received worldwide recognition for his works including Bent Frequency Underscore Prize, the Ettelson Composer Award, the Ossia Music Prize, and awards from the League of Composers/ISCM, the Salvatore Martirano Competition, the MacDowell and ACA colonies, and the Fulbright Hays Foundation. Additionally, he has had many incredible ensembles perform his works including Bent Frequency, Brave New Works, and the Boston New Music Initiative.

Originally from Oregon, Arrell received his doctorate in musical arts from Cornell University before going on to work as Director of Theory and Composition at Clayton State University. Currently, he teaches at the College of the Holy Cross, where he leads courses in music theory and computer music. With a distinct sound that has been praised for its “unconventional beauty,” Arrell’s works continue to amaze audiences around the globe.