My role is to encourage students to think beyond convention, to seek innovation, and to use the arts to understand the multiple cultures and societies represented in Los Angeles and the world.
CSU Los Angeles Professor John M. Kennedy is a world-renowned composer who produces eclectic work, ranging from mixed ensemble and solo pieces to multi-media compositions.
He has focused recently in two areas: Creolization in music and the confluence of American jazz and modernist music. Highlights include the 2013 premieres of “Lamentations: Hayasdan” for flute and piano by the Moscow Contemporary Music Ensemble, and performances of his “Smoke and Mirrors: Symbia II” for solo saxophone at the 2013 Thailand International Composition Festival.
His commissions include compositions for the Olympia Youth Orchestra, the Baldwin-Wallace College Wind Ensemble and the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra. He performs on the double bass as music director of the Chamber Players of Los Angeles.
Kennedy is recognized for his musical achievements with numerous grants, as well as this year’s CSULA Outstanding Professor Award.