Lynxx (5)

Christian Kriegeskotte (b. 1980) is a composer, conductor and writer. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts ('02) and Master of Music ('09) from Carnegie Mellon University. His primary teachers have been composers Leonardo Balada, Nancy Galbraith and Fabien Levy. He studied conducting with Robert Page. Following his undergraduate studies, Christian began his professional career as a copyist in Hollywood with Jo Ann Kane Music Service, where he prepared scores and parts for films including Star Wars: Episode III, War of the Worlds, Sin City, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The World's Fastest Indian, xXx: State of the Union, Meet the Fockers, The Interpreter and The Skeleton Key as well as television shows such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad and King of the Hill. ​ Later, Christian transitioned into the world of tour production and artist management with Columbia Artists Management in New York City, working with artists and ensembles including Marvin Hamlisch, Lorin Maazel, Betty Buckley, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Russian National Ballet. After returning to school and receiving his master's degree, Christian moved into the record industry where he spent several years managing operations and repertoire for The Orchard and Sony Music Entertainment. As a writer, Christian is a frequent contributor to popular contemporary music blog I Care If You Listen. Christian's compositions have been described as "jewel-like and fascinating" and "a force to be reckoned with" and have been performed by ensembles including eighth blackbird, The Parker Quartet, The American Composers Orchestra, New York Miniaturist Ensemble, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, The DePaul Wind Symphony and The Pittsburgh Opera. For the past several years Christian's focus has been experimentation with small-scale electronic compositions, free-jazz and fusion/prog-rock inspired live works.