In this episode, I chat with Mr. Thomas Whitman. Mr. Whitman is an American composer and educator whose work blends Western classical traditions with global influences, particularly the music of Bali and Indonesia, where he studied as a Luce Scholar. Mr. Whitman completed his Ph.D. in composition at the University of Pennsylvania, studying under composers such as George Crumb and Richard Wernick. His music has been described as lyrical, atmospheric, and emotionally rich, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. In addition to his compositions, Mr. Whitman is an active collaborator, working with poets, choreographers, and filmmakers. He has received numerous honors, including an ASCAP Foundation Grant and artist residencies at prestigious institutions like the MacDowell Colony. His works have been commissioned by prominent ensembles and performed across the United States. Since 1990, Mr. Whitman has taught at Swarthmore College, where he also co-directs Gamelan Semara Santi, the Philadelphia area's only Balinese percussion orchestra. Through his leadership of both the college and the Chester Children’s Gamelan, Mr. Whitman continues to share his passion for Indonesian music with the broader community.
