Spencer Topel (b. 1979) is a doctoral candidate at Cornell University where he works with composers Steven Stucky, Roberto Sierra, and Kevin Ernste. Mr. Topel has had performances by the Oregon Symphony, Juilliard Symphony, Onyx Ensemble at the I.C.M.C. 2006 (International Computer Music Conference) in New Orleans, the Cornell University Wind Ensemble, and by soloists Susanne Hou, Inbal Segev, Sumire Kudo, Christopher Guzman, and Steve Beck. Spencer Topel holds two Degrees from the Juilliard School where he studied composition with Christopher Rouse and Samuel Adler, and has received awards from BMI, ASCAP, the NFAA, a Diploma of Merit from Accademia Musicale Chigiana, Juilliard’s Palmer Dixon Prize (2004), Richard Rodgers Fellowship (2002), and a Pia Gilbert Fellowship (2003).

Past  projects include a twenty-two minute electronic work for commissioned for the Inauguration of Cornell’s President David Skorton, the organization and performance of two concerts at Google Inc. in New York as a member of the C.E.M.C. (Cornell Electro-acoustic Music Center), and this past summer was a fellow at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy where he studied with composer Azio Corghi.

This summer Mr. Topel will be touring Turkey with a group of musicians selected from around the world with the aim of offically launching Principle Music as an international arts orgaization.  In additon to six concerts in five major cities,  our musicans will participate in the creation of a CD and documentary.   Following the tour he will be attending the Aspen Music Festival Masteclass led by Christopher Rouse and Anders Hillborg.

Mr. Topel is also an active conductor and baroque violinist, with recent performances with Cornell’s Harlequin Capers, and the orchestra Concert Royal in New York City with the St. Thomas Boys Choir under the direction of John Scott.