Music

Duncan Neilson is a composer and pianist based in Portland, Oregon, creating works for a broad range of instrumentation, from orchestra and solo piano, to analog synthesis and experimental rock.

In response to the ever-growing climate crisis, he founded Planetudes in Portland, OR, an instrumental avant-pop ensemble which is passionately dedicated to raising ecological awareness and inspiring engagement with the natural world through music.

He has a doctorate in music composition from Columbia University, and has taught on the music faculties of Columbia University, the College of William and Mary, and Lewis and Clark College. He spoke at TEDx Lewis and Clark, was the composer in residence for the Portland Chamber Orchestra, and his compositions have been performed in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall, to the Knitting Factory NYC, to the Vans Warped Tour.

Duncan's compositions have been performed by a wide range of ensembles, including the Portland Chamber Orchestra, the Daedalus String Quartet, members of the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. He is also a founding member of the Natural Resonance Festival.