Sean Shepherd: Building Bold Music Through Friendship, Fire, and Form
From his early days in Reno—jokingly dubbed “the new Vienna”—to major commissions with orchestras across the U.S. and Europe, composer Sean Shepherd has carved a career shaped by curiosity, mentorship, and deep artistic partnerships. His time at Indiana University revealed a world of like-minded musicians, while professional breakthroughs came through formative experiences with mentors like Oliver Knussen and early performances by the Minnesota Orchestra.
In this episode, Shepherd reflects on three major works that mark his recent output. Lattice Work, written for close friends Leila Josefowicz and Paul Watkins, explores the intimate rigor of chamber music. Quadruple Concerto, a showcase for the Dallas Symphony’s wind principals, blends virtuosity with camaraderie. And Sprout, originally a digital pandemic project, finds beauty in ecological rebirth, drawing inspiration from California wildfires and their regenerative force.
At the core of Shepherd’s practice is a belief in meaningful collaboration. He shares how staying connected—not self-promotion—has kept his music alive in the minds of conductors and soloists. As for legacy, he’s unconcerned: “I actually believe my best piece is always ahead of me.” For Sean Shepherd, music is less about permanence and more about presence, trust, and the joy of shared creation.
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