Peter Van Zandt Lane

The music of Peter Van Zandt Lane (b. 1985, Port Jefferson NY) has been described as having “Propulsive rhythms” and “surprising lyricism” and has been praised by musicians and critics alike (Boston Musical Intelligencer) as music that “gives an amazing first impression.” A Boston-based composer and bassoonist, Peter writes passionately for ensembles of all types, and often employs the use of electronics in his compositions. With backgrounds in classical performance and rock, contemporary theory and music engineering, he draws on his diverse experiences to create music that is fresh, genuine, and widely appealing.

Peter’s compositions have been performed across the United States, as well as in Europe and South America by acclaimed musicians and ensembles such as The Cleveland Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, Triton Brass, Quux Collective, Freon Ensemble (Rome), and The New York Virtuoso Singers. He has received commissions from Dinosaur Annex, EAR Duo (Amsterdam), and The Composers Conference at Wellesley College, and has been the recipient of several awards and prizes. Peter is the founder and bassoonist for Avalerion Winds, General Manager of Dinosaur Annex Music Ensemble, and was a member of Composers in Red Sneakers, a historic Boston-based composers consortium. His music has been featured across the nation at various music festivals.

Peter is currently pursuing a PhD in Music Composition and Theory at Brandeis University, and holds degrees from Brandeis, and the University of Miami Frost School of Music. His principle composition teachers include Melinda Wagner, Eric Chasalow, David Rakowsi, and Lansing McLoskey. He studied bassoon with Luciano Magnanini.