Katherine Bergman

Composer

She/Her

Katherine Bergman (b. 1985) is a Minnesota-based composer who draws on nature, environmentalism, and the intersection between art and science to create music described as hypnotic and visceral. She has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles throughout the United States and abroad, including the U.S. Coast Guard Band, Estonian Police and Border Guard Orchestra, Hub New Music, Zeitgeist, Unheard-of Ensemble, Seen/Heard Trio, Nautilus Music-Theater, and many others.

Katherine’s music for band, orchestra, and chamber ensembles is frequently performed at concert halls, festivals, conferences, school band rooms, and national parks. Her work has been presented at ISCM World Music Days, The Midwest Clinic, North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences, College Band Directors National Association Conferences, IDRS, The Upper Midwest Chamber Winds Symposium, and the Liquid Music Concert Series. Her compositions have received support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Jerome Foundation, the Metro Regional Arts Council, and New Music USA.

Katherine holds a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa School of Music, where she studied composition with Jonathan Schwabe and Alan Schmitz. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota with composition instructors including Michele Gillman and Steve Wright. She has studied extensively with Mary Ellen Childs, and has received individual instruction from Samuel Adler.

Her work is published under Katherine Bergman Music, and her compositions for large ensemble are distributed by Murphy Music Press. Katherine is Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Minnesota Winds, a professional concert band with a vision to embrace the dynamic energy and inclusive culture of school band and bring it to the professional level.