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“One of my most enduring compositional interests has been exploring new music ideas within the realm of theatrical performance. How can we effectively guide the audience into uncharted musical territory? Is it possible to breathe fresh life into traditional musical forms by placing them in a novel context? Examples such as High Fidelity, which pushes the boundaries of music’s pace akin to theatrical farce; Les Dames á trois… et piano, which delves into the essence of operatic storytelling with minimalistic means; Das Haus, a journey through letting go of antiquated norms; and The Passion of John that reinterprets old sonorities and texts in a poignant manner all demonstrate this pursuit. Whether crafting orchestral, choral, or liturgical pieces, I aim to create music that captivates performers and audiences alike with its thought-provoking and exhilarating nature.” — Seward
Happenings
Art Music for Alto Sax,
Piano & Voice
Discover an evening of fresh, contemporary sounds! Featuring new works for saxophone, voice, string quartet and piano by , Philip Seward and Athanasios Zervas.
With: Athanasios Zervas on saxophone…
May 20, 2026, in
Thessaloniki, Greece
Join me at the Cole Porter Festival on June 12 & 13!
Under the direction of Philip Seward
Accompanied by Mary Clare Barker
Featuring music of Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre,
Matthew Harris, Enya, John Lenon, Mark Hayes
George Gershwin & Philip Seward
Great News! I’ve been selected as a finalist in The American Prize Thomas Putsché Award in Composition 2025
(opera/theater/film dance music (professional division), of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts for my composition “A House Divided.” Here’s the link for the 2025 finalists. The American Prize will be announcing winners in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook or Twitter. “
Previous Happenings!
Reviews
Murder in the Cathedral:
But the most amazing contribution was that of composer Phillip Seward, who set the verses of the four-member chorus…to haunting music in his world-premiere score.
“High Fidelity: An Operatic Farce is a silly but very melodious two-act confection now in a high-pitched Chicago premiere. …Seward’s lilting tunes, mostly waltzes, subtly suggest their pre-war era and savor mightily of Charles Ives’ playful predilections.”
Hans Brinker: “This holiday musical has been polished until it sparkles. …John Sparks (lyrics) and Philip Seward (music) have written over twenty songs that have the charm of lovely light opera.”