The RI Phil Announces Eric Nathan as Composer In Residence

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School (RI Phil) is pleased to announce the appointment of acclaimed composer Eric Nathan as Composer in Residence for a three-year term, beginning in September 2026.

Nathan’s residency comes at an exciting moment in the organization’s artistic trajectory, as the RI Phil enters its second season under the leadership of Music Director Ruth Reinhardt.

Nathan has been commissioned and performed by some of the nation’s most prominent ensembles and institutions, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Tanglewood Music Center, Aspen Music Festival, and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, among many others. He is an Associate Professor of Music at Brown University.

During his residency with the RI Philharmonic, Nathan will compose three new works to be premiered by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. His Violin Concerto will launch the Orchestra’s 2026–27 season this September.

“I’m thrilled and honored to have Eric Nathan as our Composer in Residence and to premiere three major works by him,” said RI Phil’s Music Director, Ruth Reinhardt. “Eric is a fantastic composer of extraordinary depth and artistry, who also shares our passion for community engagement and education.”

RI Phil’s Executive Director, David Beauchesne, added, “Eric Nathan creates music that inspires both performers and audiences, and is a dedicated educator. We look forward to expanding awareness of his music in Rhode Island and beyond as well as inspiring young composers through this three-year residency.”

In addition to composing, Nathan will collaborate with RI Phil’s artistic staff and musicians on programming and performance preparation. The Orchestra also anticipates presenting existing works from his repertoire, including Opening and Concerto for Orchestra.

Beyond the concert stage, Nathan will actively engage with audiences, community partners, and students. He will work in close collaboration with the RI Philharmonic Music School, fostering educational opportunities for young musicians and composers. Music School faculty and students will also explore his works with assistance from the composer.

“The Rhode Island Philharmonic is an orchestra that I love deeply,” said Eric Nathan. “I have its sound in my mind’s ear from attending many concerts over the years. It’s an exciting moment to join the organization under Ruth Reinhardt’s inspiring leadership. I’m thrilled to collaborate with Ruth, David, and the Orchestra on new artistic projects, and honored by the opportunity to compose three major orchestral works as part of this residency. I look forward to engaging with the Music School community and with composers in Rhode Island and beyond, helping to nurture and champion the music of today.”

Be there on Saturday, September 19th, 2026 to hear the world premiere of Nathan’s Violin Concerto with soloist Yevgeny Kutik. Barber’s School for Scandal Overture and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral) will also be on the program.

Go to riphil.org to find out how you can subscribe to next season or purchase single tickets beginning July 20.

About Eric Nathan

A recipient of the prestigious Rome Prize and Guggenheim Fellowship, Eric Nathan is widely recognized as one of today’s leading composers. His work has been commissioned and performed by some of the nation’s most prominent ensembles and institutions, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Tanglewood Music Center, Aspen Music Festival, and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, among many others. His music has garnered critical acclaim, described as “diverse,” “arresting,” and “expressive” by major publications such as the San Francisco Chronicle and The Boston Globe.

Nathan brings strong ties to the region through his role as Associate Professor of Music at Brown University, where he has taught since 2015. Over the past decade, he has cultivated meaningful relationships within the local and regional arts community, including his role as Artistic Director of Collage New Music, a Boston-based contemporary music ensemble. Orchid Classics released his latest CD, Double Concertos, in April 2026. His compositions are published by Just a Theory Press. Learn more at www.ericnathanmusic.com.