Brian Holmes

b. 1946

Brian Holmes has degrees from Pomona College and Boston University. He is a professor of physics at San Jose State University, where he teaches a course on the physics of music. He has been active as a professional French Horn player. He prefers to compose for chorus or solo voice. His works include operas, musicals, twelve song cycles, a Requiem Mass, two extended carol cycles for chorus and orchestra, and over one hundred choral pieces. He has been composer in residence of four choruses, including the San Francisco Choral Artists (for whom he composed The Cat and the Moon) and Vivace Youth Chorus. His publishers include ECS Publishing, William Thorpe, Santa Barbara, Roger Dean, Hal Leonard, Thompson Edition, and Leyerle. He has won numerous composition prizes and contests, most notably the 2012 America Prize in Choral Composition for Amherst Requiem.