Nancy Galbraith

Nancy Galbraith is the Vira I. Heinz Professor of Composition and Head of Composition at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Music within the College of Fine Arts. Her compositions span orchestral, choral, and chamber works, known for their harmonic richness and emotional depth. She holds an endowed professorship and has been commissioned by institutions like the NEA, Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, and Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.

Her research interests focus on composition across genres, including electroacoustic works with artists like Stephen Schultz and the electric cello trio Cello Fury. Notable compositions include Streaming Green (performed at the White House), Smoke and Steel (premiered at a steel mill), and symphonic works featured by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Galbraith’s recordings include albums Other Sun and Strange Travels, showcasing her experimental approaches with delay effects and amplification. She is an accomplished pianist and organist, with works like Piano Sonata No. 1 in contemporary repertoires.

Key collaborations include commissions from the NEA, Harvard Glee Club, and Lutheran Theological Seminary Gettysburg. Her works are frequently performed by professional ensembles and appear in over a dozen anthologies, including Dancing Through Time.