ABOUT

Colin I. Nossek (b. 1999) is a composer and clarinetist dedicated to the creation of new, imaginative works that are accessible to a wide audience. They graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arizona in 2021, where they studied with Dr. Yuanyuan HE (composition) and Dr. Jackie Glazier (clarinet). Nossek’s music is influenced by their upbringing in the American Southwest, the natural world, dreams and psychedelia, and their passion for film and literature. Their foremost inspirations include American folk and popular music, Aaron Copland, Maurice Ravel, and Thomas Adés. Nossek has received commissions internationally including those from award-winning Duo Entre-nous, No Divide KC, and contrabassoonist Susan Nigro. Nossek’s works for saxophone have been featured at NASA conferences in 2019 and 2021. Their 2022 work for clarinet and saxophone entitled I think this is a ghost story. was commissioned and premiered by Duo Entre-nous, and has been performed throughout the U.S. and Europe.

As a performer, Nossek is an avid proponent of new music and believes strongly that the voices of all composers deserve to be heard. They have commissioned works from fellow composers such as Spencer Evans and Ahmed Al Abaca, and plan to formally premiere them in 2026. While studying at the University of Arizona, Nossek held the position of principal clarinet and principal bass clarinet in the UA Wind Ensemble and participated in the Arizona Symphony Orchestra, the Vulpes Wind Quintet, and the Avian Trio. Nossek is a 2021 University of Arizona President’s Competition winner for their performance of Scott McAllister’s Black Dog. They are a founding member of the newly formed Nosfera Trio, along with Gabby Cioca (Viola) and Jared Aragón (Piano), and as of January 2025 they are the Artistic Coordinator for twice Grammy-nominated True Concord Voices & Orchestra.

Nossek is gender-fluid and uses any pronouns. Outside of music, their interests include film, horror fiction, watching Veep for the sixtieth time, and roller coaster design.

Select works by Nossek are published by T.U.X. People’s Music Publishing.

Photo Credit: Mindi Acosta