Doug Brandt

I am a composer, librettist, and lyricist focused on stage works that blend history, drama, and song. My pieces range from historical dramas like Listen, Little Great Owl (set in 1763) to Herculine Barbin (a lyrical drama about a 19th-century intersex figure), and modern retellings such as Two Girls from Vermont. I collaborate with writers, designers and directors to develop music and text that illuminate character and place, including partnerships with Xander Chauncey for a Shawnee perspective and readings at Midtown International Theatre Festival; my work has also been presented by the NY International Fringe Festival and Worcester Forum Theatre.

I hold an MFA in Theater from Trinity Rep Conservatory, an MA in Teaching Music from Washington University, and a BA in Music from Washington University. I have participated in residencies such as the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts and the Lehigh University Choral Composers’ Symposium, and my pieces have earned recognition in competitions and publications (e.g., The American Prize, First Readings Project recordings). I enjoy exploring historical voices and dramatic storytelling through song and orchestration.