Margaret Griebling-Haigh

Margaret Griebling-Haigh (b. 1960) began her musical training at an early age with her parents, who are also composers, so that from the very beginning, composing music seemed to be a natural and normal thing to do. Before graduating from high school, Ms. Griebling-Haigh had already won many awards in composition on the local, state, and national levels, including a grant from BMI and First Prize in the National Federation of Music Clubs’ Competition for New Orchestral Works. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in oboe from the Eastman School of Music and a Masters degree in oboe from the San Francisco Conservatory.

The music of Ms. Griebling-Haigh has been characterized as haunting, charismatic, yearning, wistful, lyrical, colorful, and insoucient! She is concerned with conveying emotions and moods, but firmly believes in the powers of memorable melodies and rhythms and strong formal structure. While her music is sometimes technically challenging and rhythmically tricky, consideration for the comfort and enjoyment of performers and audience members alike is of great importance.

Ms. Griebling-Haigh has received commissions from Cleveland Orchestra Principal Horn Richard King, Cleveland Orchestra (deceased) Principal Oboist John Mack, renowned organist Karel Paukert, the Schenectady Symphony, the Cleveland and Kulas Foundations, The Cleveland Institute of Music Cello Ensemble, the Greater Akron Musical Association, Hendrix College Music Department, the Crosstown, Fiati, and Huntingdon Trios, and a group of 16 nationally renowned flutists from across the country, among others. Cleveland area oboist Danna Sundet and flutist Mary Kay Ferguson, of the chamber ensemble Panorámicos, have been responsible for the creation of numerous works. In 2007 she received a Jerome Composer Commission from the American Composers Forum, which resulted in a chamber music setting of the Norwegian Folk Tale Askelad and the Seven Silver Ducks (published by Jeanne, Inc.), complete with a recording by the Vecchione/Erdahl Duo, and her own illustrated children's book. Askelad and her chamber music version of The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant have been on the roster of Young Audiences of Minneapolis for several seasons. She has also collaborated twice with The Poets' League of Greater Cleveland and has had music horeographed by Karen Gabay, principal dancer of the (former) Cleveland-San Jose Ballet.

Additional information can be obtained at the composer's web site: www.musicalligraphics.com