Andrew Earle Simpson

Andrew Earle Simpson (b.1967), composer and pianist, received degrees from Butler University, Boston University, and Indiana University. In 1997, he joined the faculty of the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, The Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C. where he is head of the division of Theory and Composition. A composer of opera, film, orchestral, chamber, choral, dance, and vocal music, his most recent projects reflect an interest in cross-disciplinary music, silent film, and theatrical music. He has received awards and grants from the American Music Center, American Composers Forum, The Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, The Loeb Classical Library Foundation, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Maryland State Arts Council, among many others.

Simpson’s music has been performed across the United States and abroad by such ensembles as the Cedar Rapids Symphony Chamber Players, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Contemporary Music Forum, counter)induction, Tampa Bay Composers Forum, Great Noise Ensemble, Pictures on Silence, Red Cedar Trio, Boland-Dowdall duo, Lyralos Ensemble (Greece), Catholic University Opera Theater, Cantate Chamber Singers, numerous other professional and university ensembles, and by such conductors and performers as Theodore Antoniou, Tim Hankewich, Marvin Hamlisch, Brian Ganz, Michael Cameron, Nancy Ambrose King, Noah Getz, and Tim McAllister.

An active silent film composer, pianist, and organist, Simpson is House Film Accompanist at the Library of Congress’ Mt. Pony Theater, and also appears regularly at the National Gallery of Art. He has also performed at the Giornate del Cinema Muto in Pordenone, Italy, the New York Public Library, AFI Silver Theater, Slapsticon, Cinefest, and other venues. Recent performances include the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, a concert of his film music with musicians from the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts’ Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center.