Madeline Barrett is a Los Angeles-based composer and pianist whose work intertwines nature, emotion, and diverse musical influences. Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, her compositions draw inspiration from the world around her. Notable pieces include The Flowers That Close at Night, which won the 7th Annual Boston New Music Initiative Young Composer Competition, and The Sun in My Heart, a new oratorio exploring themes of interbeing and divinity in nature. Her works have received diverse awards and been performed around the world by artists such as the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini, Orchestra Senzaspine, Pacific Chamber Orchestra, Salastina, Carpe Diem String Quartet, Quatuor Diotima, Fivemind Reed Quintet, Boston New Music Initiative, PHACE ensemble, soloists Hila Plitmann, Stefano Greco, and Lisa Pegher. She recently received her PhD in composition from UCLA.

Learn more about Madeline at madelinebarrettmusic.com.

Hugo Madera is a choral composer, conductor, and educator based in Nebraska. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, he brings a distinct Latin-American perspective to his works and is an advocate for social change and the diversification of the choral canon. His compositions have been performed by organisations such as Cantus, The Nebraska Festival Singers, the GMEA 9/10 All-State Choir, Nebraska Choral Directors Association and the UNT University Singers. He leads choral activities at Adams Central Public Schools and is active with arts organizations across central Nebraska. Hugo holds a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Bachelor of Music from Hastings College.

Learn more about Hugo at hugomadera.com.

Charlie Carroll is a composer, arranger, conductor, and educator based in Winter Park, Florida. His music is characterized by lyricism, compelling musical narratives, and emotional honesty, with works spanning choir, orchestra, chamber ensembles, wind band, and media.

Carroll earned the Doctor of Music degree in Composition from Florida State University, where he studied with Liliya Ugay, Clifton Callender, and Ellen Taaffe Zwilich. His work has been recognized by the Stephen Paulus Emerging Composer Competition and Ember Choral Arts, and has been performed by ensembles including Choral Arts Initiative and at festivals such as New Music on the Bayou. In addition to his work as a composer, he is an active arranger, collaborating with the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park.

As Choral Director and AP Music Theory Instructor at Trinity Preparatory School, he teaches choral ensembles, conducting, class piano, and music theory while mentoring young composers. He lives in Winter Park, Florida with his wife, Hannah, and their dog, Benny.

Learn more about Charlie at charliecarrollcomposer.com.