Shawn E. Okpebholo

Shawn E. Okpebholo is the Jonathan Blanchard Distinguished Professor of Composition at Wheaton College. A Nigerian-American composer, he is celebrated for reimagining Negro spirituals and American folk hymns in contemporary classical music, earning critical acclaim, GRAMMY® nominations, and recognition as a defining voice in his field. His work has been performed by major ensembles like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and celebrated artists such as Rhiannon Giddens.

• Specializes in composition, ethnomusicology, and reinterpreting African-American musical traditions.
• Commissioned by institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts, Copland House Ensemble, and Mellon Foundation.

Scientific Awards:

• Chicagoan of the Year in Classical Music (2024)
• Musical America’s Top 30 Professionals (2023)
• Academy of Arts and Letters awardee
• American Prize winner
• ASCAP award recipient