Alternative Classical

Phillip’s concert compositions have been described as “alternative classical” or “techno-classical” because, while they are grounded in the classical tradition he studied in the conservatory, they also frequently make use of digital technology – by including voices and found sounds that he records, digitally processes and then uses as integral parts of the score and performance.

Oral histories and sampled voices also play a big part in many of Phillip’s works, which then become musical portraits of a person, a life, a story or a social issue.

Phillip has won grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Meet The Composer, American Composers Forum, Austria’s Prix Ars Electronica, ASCAP and an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

His alt-classical music has been performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Bang on a Can Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Spoleto Festival, Abravanel Hall and London’s Royal Opera House.

Orchestras and ensembles who have performed Phillip’s alt-classical works include the Salt Lake Symphony, Relâche, Turtle Island String Quartet, Modern Mandolin Quartet, Fry Street Quartet, Present Music, Abramyan String Quartet, Sierra Winds, Equinox Chamber Players, the California E.A.R. Unit and Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues.