Stephen Jaffe

My recent collaborations have been with the National Symphony Orchestra, The North Carolina Symphony, and the Kennedy Center Chamber Players, and have included orchestral works (Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, Poetry of the Piedmont, and Cut Time) as well as chamber music (String Quartet No. 2 ("Sylvan and Aeolian Figures"). Fortunately, I am also able to pursue recording of my music, and to collaborate with other musicians on recording projects. This is ongoing, in particular with the fourth volume of recordings issued on Bridge, Inc. and two releases on New Focus: String Quartet No. 3 ("A Tapestry") by the Ciompi Quartet in 2025, and A Forest Unfolding (forthcoming April 2026).  These recordings have involved collaboration with my Duke colleagues,  the 21st Century Consort (an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution), the North Carolina Symphony, and and the Odense Symphony Orchestra of Denmark. I see my life as a composer involving creation; collaboration, and advocacy for the art of music (including education, curation, and engagement with musical institutions).  

To find out about any of my works, please consult the website Stephen Jaffe, Composer or related sites by Theodore Presser Company and Bridge Records.  Most of the music is in print; for availability consult the Theodore Presser Company website.

To read about activities involving a form of teaching about which I am very devoted, please see the statement under Mentoring.