hunter t. johnson (he/him) is a dynamic young composer with a rapidly growing catalog of choral works, art songs, and chamber pieces. He takes inspiration from issues of social justice and conflict, working to give voice to sentiments and ideas that he feels are ignored in everyday life. In composing vocal works, he seeks poetry and texts that range from those that explore nature and beauty to those that examine social issues such as self-harm, suicide, and other traditionally avoided topics. He has completed commissions for art songs and choral works, including several works for Grammy Award-winning soprano Christine Brewer. Other commissioning ensembles include Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Webster Groves, MO; the Webster University ChordLoks; and the Lindenwood University Concert Choir under the direction of Pamela Grooms.

An active choral musician, hunter has performed with and conducted groups in concerts across the United States. He is one of the co-founders and the conductor of the choral ensemble catenary. hunter’s composition Stars was awarded the 2017 Missouri Choral Director’s Association Opus Award, which recognizes an outstanding choral composition by a Missouri-based composer. His works have been performed by the Webster University Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, and Women’s Chorus, under his direction as well as that of Drs. Trent A. Patterson and Stuart Chapman Hill.

hunter holds a Bachelor’s of Music Degree in Composition from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he studied composition with Dr. David Werfelmann and Kim Portnoy.