George Belden is an Associate Professor of Composition and Theory at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He was born and raised in Kansas and holds degrees from Bethany College, the University of Northern Colorado, and the University of North Texas. His music has been performed throughout the United States, Europe, Russia, and the Far East. Belwin Publications, Canzona Publications, Tritone Press, Trombone Association Publications, and C. Alan Publications publish his music.

Dr. Belden has won prizes in national and international composition contests, and has received numerous public and private grants and commissions. He is a member of ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) and has won its annual Special Merit Award for works of a “unique prestige value” since 1990. He is also a member of the Society of Composers, Inc. and was a founding member of the Alaska New Music Forum and the Consortium of Alaskan Composers. His Celebrations: Symphony No. 2 was commissioned and premiered by the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra in 1989. His Gilgamesh has been released on the Society of Composers, Inc. CD Series #3 and published in its Journal of Music Scores, Vol. 17. THE MASQUE: A Piano Quintet was premiered in New York City, Chicago, Illinois, and Madison, Wisconsin.

Belden’s latest composition is a Suite for Three Trombones written for the UAA Faculty Trombone Trio who premiered it on a recital April 5, 2007. It is modeled on the 17th century instrumental suite which was based on contemporary courtly dances such as the Allemande, Courante, and Sarabande; in addition, Belden has brought it up to date with the addition of a Latin style Tango.

Belden recently premiered three choral works, all written to poems by the American poet W. S. Merwin. The UAA University Singers performed To Ashes and To the Words in December, 2002; they were accompanied by the University Sinfonia. In April, 2003, the University Voice Master Class Ensemble premiered To the Sorrow String, a work for a cappella mixed choral ensemble.

His works for band include Seasonal March and Fantasies: Mythic Variations. The last work was performed by the University of Hawaii Symphonic Band. His Ridin’ the Rails, a concert overture was featured on a recent concert of the Anchorage Civic Orchestra.

Another recent composition is Leaves of Gold, a song cycle for contralto, tenor, violin, clarinet, and piano. It was commissioned by UAA for performance by contralto Mickey Belden and the Alaska Pro Musica, the UAA Department of Music’s faculty-in-residence, and was premiered in April, 2002.

Website: https://GeorgeBelden.wordpress.com