A Brief Bio
Owen Kirby
Owen Kirby is a composer currently exploring many mediums, including large ensembles, chamber groups, choir, and other eclectic instrument combinations. Much of what drives Owen’s music is an enthrallment with the individual experience: the unique stories, emotions, visuals, etcetera, that play out in one’s mind while listening to music. He finds it to be a beautiful realization that every listener will have their own unique experience. Being an avid wilderness enthusiast, he always strives to connect his work to the natural world. Owen’s fascination with improvisation is what encompasses much of his process in composing, however, he also likes to explore new ways of creating that may allow for new perspectives through the composition process.
Recently, he was named winner of the 2025 Montana Youth Symphony Composition Competition and worked with them to premiere his symphonic work, Rebirth: Fanfare for a New Day (2024). Some other notable performances of Owen’s work includes the premiere of his brand new chamber orchestra piece, into the other (2025) by students at the University of Montana, and the premiere of his piece for SATB a cappella choir, Through The Shimmering Glass (2025), with the University of Montana Chamber Chorale.
Owen Kirby holds two Bachelor degrees in Music Composition and Saxophone Performance from the University of Montana. He’s collaborated with numerous groups to either perform or have his work played, such as the UM Chamber Chorale, UM Symphonic Wind Ensemble, OVAA Quartet, Samara Quartet, Montana Youth Symphony, Missoula Chamber Music Collective, and many other individual musicians. In 2024, Owen was announced winner of the University of Montana Concerto Aria Competition. He was also principal baritone saxophonist of the OVAA Quartet, who were announced winners of the University of Montana Concerto Aria Competition in 2022. They also received Second Prize in the Medici International Music Competition, Third Prize in the London International Music Competition in 2022, and placed first in their division in the Birmingham Music Competition in 2022.
Outside of music, Owen has a passion and love for the natural world and the experiences one can have within different landscapes. He loves connecting with others and having meaningful conversations. And he enjoys his many hobbies, whether that be traipsing through the mountains, rock climbing, or swing dancing, and so much more!