Russell Podgorsek

Russell Podgorsek is a Lecturer in Composition at the University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College, holding a DMA from UT Austin. His dual academic affiliation combines teaching with active creative practice in contemporary music composition. He graduated from the Hartt School of Music (Connecticut) and the University of Dayton (Ohio).

His research focuses on interdisciplinary composition across genres, blending vocal, orchestral, chamber, and dance elements. Notable works include Teasdale Triptych (mezzo-soprano/Page Stephens), Invisible Women (VAMP Vocals), and Steel Drum Concerto (UT Symphony Orchestra). His work frequently incorporates narrative storytelling, cultural symbolism, and multimedia collaborations.

Recent performances highlight his engagement with avant-garde techniques: 2024 saw premieres of Invisible Women and an American Beauty arrangement with Density512. His 2023 Steel Drum Concerto demonstrated innovative percussion integration. Grants include a 2017 NewMusicUSA grant for collaborations with NANOFiction and the Cordova Quartet.

Awards include an Austin Critics’ Table nomination (2016) and inclusion in I Care If You Listen’s 2014 Mixtape. His works have been performed globally, from Italy’s Faenza to Berlin’s Radical2 collective. Podgorsek’s creative practice emphasizes cross-disciplinary dialogue, with frequent partnerships in dance (Life/Art Ensemble) and literary arts (NANOFiction).