Michael John Trotta composer / arranger

Fueled by a passion for combining tradition and innovation, American composer Michael John Trotta (b.1978) creates music that resonates with modern audiences around the world. From Carnegie Hall to cathedrals and concert halls around the world, he creates “elegant, singable music with a strong, spiritual heft” (Choir and Organ Magazine).

Seasoned by his experience as a conductor at the primary, secondary, and university levels – as well as a church music director – his works are infused with an “intimate knowledge of the human voice and a rare sensitivity to the capabilities of a choral ensemble” (Fanfare). The “dynamic interplay of time-honored musical gestures with present-day sonorities” (Choral Scholar) create “tender harmonies and a palette of glowing vocal and instrumental colors” (Gramophone).

In addition to a significant output of music for unaccompanied choir, he has written nine choral-orchestral works on a larger scale. He recently collaborated with the Tenebrae and the London Symphony Orchestra.

His select concert and sacred music is published by Hampton Roads Music Group and is distributed by Excelcia Music. For more information, a complete list of compositions, or to get in touch, visit his official website www.mjtrotta.com.

He commands an intimate knowledge of the human voice and a rare sensitivity to the capabilities of a choral ensemble. This, combined with his degrees in music education and a doctorate in choral conducting, make him a favorite conductor with ensembles in the United States and around the world.

Trotta’s unique blend of engaging and artistic music creates opportunities to experience new music and empowers individuals to realize their artistic potential. His engaging style fuses tradition and innovation to bring artistry and excellence within reach for thousands of musicians each year.

Driven by a desire to support hardworking directors who work to bring out the best in their ensembles, Trotta has developed keynotes that connect conductors to the educational and artistic goals that drew them to the profession in the first place. “Your Perfect Choir,” “Developing Artistry,” and “Empowering Ensembles” create experiences that connect people to the power of music and its ability transcend barriers and teach us more about each other and ourselves.

An ardent advocate for under-resourced and overworked arts organizations, Trotta has pioneered the development of the consortium model of commissioning. As a result, the opportunity to premiere a major work for choir and orchestra is now within reach for more choirs than ever before. Passionate about removing barriers to new music and artistic excellence, Trotta has created and funded a new initiative that distributes grants to choir directors and scholarships to future choral directors.

When he is not traveling for guest conducting or composer residencies, Dr. Trotta resides in the New York City metro area and spends his time at the beach in New Jersey with his wife Rachel and his daughter Gabriella.