LUCAS ABEGGLEN
Born in San Diego to a musical family, it wasn't long before I discovered a passion for music. My first love was the drums, which was heavily favored to my reluctant piano practice each week. But over the years, the piano playing proved to be a worthwhile endeavor, unearthing my true musical love: composing.
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Pursuing a degree in composition, I attended Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles County, CA. I began studying jazz composition under the Grammy Award-winning jazz composer and performer, John Proulx, and then transitioned to the classical world, studying under prominent Los Angeles composer, Dr. Phil Shackleton. Through diligent work, I was able to distinguish myself from my peers, earning the Senior Award for Composition in my final year of study. My time at APU also saw led me to plunge deep into the rich sea of choral music, not just as a composer but as a conductor and vocalist, singing for several choral ensembles.
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After graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Composition, I moved to England to earn my Master's in Composition at the University of Bristol, studying under composers John Pickard and Neal Farwell. During my time in Bristol, I was challenged to write more boldly and in a more contemporary and avant-garde classical style. I was commissioned to write for multiple unusual ensembles, which expanded my creativity and honed my ability to take conceptual risks while still writing pragmatically for any instrument. I completed my Master's by submitting my final project: Ego--a four-movement orchestral work based on Ayn Rand's novel, The Fountainhead.
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After completing my Master's, I took the position as Director of Choirs at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in the greater Milwaukee area, where I currently reside. I work as a composer, conductor, and performer in the area and worldwide, and enjoy giving private instruction to aspiring musicians in the Milwaukee area. I am proud to call Milwaukee my home. Milwaukee is a city filled to the brim with creatives and visionaries, and I actively works to involve myself in the arts and support the growing influence of the city's creative scene.
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I have several prominent influences, particularly the choral music of Rachmaninoff, Dvorak's 9th symphony, and much of Steve Reich's work. I also greatly admire the harmonic innovations and storytelling genius of contemporary songwriters like Robin Pecknold and Sam Beam. I draw influence from other sources as well, particularly as an avid reader, writer, and basketball fan and player. I find basketball to have its own distinct 'music', and frequently find inspiration in the rhythms and pace of the game.