As part of our project to update our syllabus we are adding new works for brass and percussion. We would like to feature some of the composers that we are adding and help promote their hard work. Meet David Occhipinti:

“It’s definitely music for today, streamlined yet atmospheric…a listener hears the rare but
gratifying combination of lyricism and cutting-edge music.”
-Geoff Chapman, The Toronto Star

David Occhipinti is a composer, and guitarist whose music crosses borders from jazz and
improvised music, into contemporary classical music and beyond. David’s musical
accomplishments have earned him two Chalmers Arts Fellowships, as well as multiple
JUNO nominations for his work as a recording artist. Among his nominated works are his
critically acclaimed album Forty Revolutions in 2007; and Duologue, in collaboration with
saxophonist Mike Murley, in 2003.

Camera, (2012) is a recording that features David’s chamber music compositions and guitar
improvisations. It was heralded by his mentor, Jim Hall as: “an absolute gem… his writing
is unique, his playing is completely original and stunning… an absolute work of art!”
The 2019 release, these out of infinite, features David’s works for the voice with text by
Dylan Thomas, James Joyce, e.e. cummings, T.S. Elliot, Emily Carr, Emily Brontë, and
Emily Dickinson. Fanfare magazine wrote, “Occhipinti’s settings are stellar and
hypnotic….like George Crumb… sheer delight. It breathes freshness and clarity.”
David’s recorded work has been featured on the CBC and BBC.

David’s first orchestral work, Saturnia (2022), was part of the Toronto Symphony’s
‘Explore the Score’ event that occurred at Roy Thomson Hall in October of 2022.
David received a commission from the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra to compose a piece
for brass and percussion. The premiere performance of En Passant was in Ottawa on May
1st, 2022 with Jean-Michel Malouf conducting.

A world premiere recording of Net of Gems, for flute and harp, appears on a recent
recording by Suzanne Shulman and Erica Goodman. David has also had his
compositions commissioned or recorded by a wide-ranging list of artists- including
percussionist Beverley Johnston, Arraymusic Ensemble, Canadian Children’s Opera
Chorus, and Random Access Large Ensemble.

David has performed and toured across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Japan. He has
performed Canadian premieres of works by Steve Reich and Gabriel Prokofiev. David has
been based in Toronto for most of his career, but during the 1990s he also spent some
time studying in New York City with Jim Hall, and three years living in Italy.

Several works for percussion and brass will be added to the ACNMP syllabus. Here is a link to one of his other works: