The UNH Department of Music is extremely proud to share news of the international success of alumnus Karl Blench ’03 (BM Music Education/BM Music Theory). Karl was recently invited to serve as the orchestrator for Wild Symphony, a new children’s book with corresponding music by noted New Hampshire author, Dan Brown (The DaVinci Code) and produced by another UNH alumnus and CEO of PARMA Recordings Bob Lord ’99 (English). The book tells the story of Maestro Mouse, who gradually introduces the reader to the Bouncing Kangaroo, Clumsy Kittens, Frogs in a Bog, Impatient Ponies, Busy Beetles, and many others, with each page of the book containing a corresponding musical passage that was written by the author. Karl then created the music for full orchestra from Mr. Brown’s original melodies.
The finished product is available to use as an app that accompanies the book, but is also available on streaming services, such as Spotify. Additionally, professional orchestras around the world are presently programming the piece for upcoming concerts and Karl is traveling in Europe as part of the initial series of performances.
Even as an undergraduate, Karl’s music garnered national attention. His short work, Momentum, commissioned by Timberlane High School, was the winner of the H. Robert Reynolds Composition Contest and was performed at Carnegie Hall. After graduation from UNH, he attended Rice University, earning his masters and doctoral degrees. His music has been performed around the world, most notably by the Axiom Quartet. He has served on the faculty at Rice University, the University of Houston, and Lonestar College.
https://boblordmusic.com/blogs/news/posts/dan-brown-s-wild-symphony-is-here
