Christopher Rouse, who served as Distinguished Composer in Residence at the Peabody Conservatory from 2008 to 2017, has passed away. Peabody Institute Dean Fred Bronstein offered the following reaction to the news:
“We are saddened by the passing of Christopher Rouse. Chris was truly a major figure among American composers, and a long-time friend of Peabody where he had served as Distinguished Composer in Residence. His marvelous and individualistic musical voice leaves a brilliant and deep legacy behind which we will all continue to be inspired by in the years ahead. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends.”
On behalf of the Composition Department, Department Chair Oscar Bettison added:
“Christopher Rouse was a mentor and friend to all of us in the Composition Department at Peabody. He served for many years as the Composition Department’s Distinguished Composer in Residence, a role in which he gave master classes several times a year. His insights and criticism were invaluable for a whole generation of students in our department, and I know all of us feel his loss most deeply. On behalf of the Composition Department at Peabody, I would like to pass on our most sincere condolences to all who love him.”
More coverage of Rouse’s passing may be found on The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, and Slipped Disc.
