With memorable melodies and colorful interplay, American composer Oliver Caplan (b. 1982) expresses a deeply felt romanticism. Mr. Caplan’s music has been commissioned by the Bronx Arts Ensemble, Columbia University Wind Ensemble and Washington & Jefferson College Wind Ensemble. It has also been presented by the Cleveland Contemporary Players, Lorelei Ensemble, Boston New Music Initiative, 11:11 Theatre Company, University of Nebraska at Kearney New Music Festival, Juventas New Music Ensemble, and dance choreographers Mary Chris DeBelina and Susan Graham, among others.  The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers recognized him in 2008 and 2009 with ASCAPLUS Awards for emerging artists; and in 2009 as a Finalist for the Morton Gould Young Composer Award.

Mr. Caplan was raised in the Bronx, New York. He studied Music and Geography at Dartmouth College, graduating with honors in 2004. While a student at Dartmouth – amidst irreverent marching band antics and musical studies abroad in London – he found his calling: musical composition. He studied composition with Charles Dodge, sang in the college Handel Society and served as President of the Marching Band. Mr. Caplan entered the Boston Conservatory's composition program and received his Masters of Music in 2006, graduating with Pi Kappa Lambda honors. At the Conservatory, he studied with composers Dalit Warshaw and Dana Brayton.  In summer 2007 and 2008 at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris, he participated in the European American Music Alliance. During the program, he took intensive courses in the pedagogic tradition of Nadia Boulanger and studied composition with Robert Beaser of the Julliard School and Michel Merlet of the Paris Conservatory.

Mr. Caplan currently resides in Somerville, Massachusetts.   He serves on the Board of Juventas New Music Ensemble and the Boston Conservatory Alumni Affairs Committee.  An avid hiker, he finds inspiration through his time outdoors.