For University Professor Augusta "Gusty" Read Thomas, each new composition is an exploration. Her latest orchestral work, Bebop Kaleidoscope—Homage to Duke Ellington, premiered at the New York Philharmonic on September 19, 2024. Guest conductor Ken-David Masur led the performance. The piece was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic as offered by Patrick Castillo, vice president of artistic planning.
Thomas describes her composition as “Igor Stravinsky meets Miles Davis meets big band.” She crafted it with four musical twists that result in five bebop dances, each differing in tempo, color, and rhythm and played without pause. Thomas aimed for fast-paced lines and vibrant big-band-like splash chords.
This premiere adds to Thomas's achievements since joining the University of Chicago faculty in 2010. She founded the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition and spearheaded the Ear Taxi Festival of contemporary music. Her opera Sweet Potato Kicks the Sun featured beatboxer Nicole Paris as lead vocalist.
Thomas explains her creative process: “One central metaphor of my life’s creative work is that of light refracting,” aiming to compose “clean, clear, transparent” musical materials.
Growing up on the East Coast, Thomas's passion for music began at age three. Influences include Louis Armstrong and Leonard Bernstein. She writes various types of music including orchestral works which she finds particularly enjoyable due to their wide range of instruments: “Any musical sound turns me on...an orchestra is one of the great constructions of civilization.”
Daniel Pesca from UChicago's Grossman Ensemble praises her: “Augusta Read Thomas is one of the most dazzling imaginative and vivacious composers around.”
Beyond composing, Thomas teaches at UChicago and mentors student composers. Paul Novak notes her focus and generosity: “Her ethos...has had a profound impact on me.” Justin Weiss appreciates how detailed moments can influence a piece’s trajectory under her guidance.
Thomas founded both the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition and Grossman Ensemble during her tenure at UChicago. By season's end in 2023-2024, they will have performed 75 world premieres from diverse composers.
Her accolades include being a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music with Astral Canticle in 2007 and recognition as Lancaster Symphony Orchestra’s Composer of the Year for 2015-2016.
Constance Volk from Grossman Ensemble remarks: “Gusty is a creative force...her advocacy for composers and performers is unmatched.”