Alexander DeStefano
Composer & Pianist
Alexander DeStefano
Composer & Pianist
Alexander DeStefano
Composer & Pianist
Meet the Composer
Alexander DeStefano is a senior at Rowan University where he is a Music Education Instrumental (Piano) major. As a composer, Alexander uses his compositions as a means to spread environmental awareness through the implementation of “found sound,” such as recycled glass. In 2025, Rowan University’s annual Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute Symposium featured the premiere of Alexander’s Sustained Glass, a work spanning 25 minutes composed solely of recycled glass objects. Alexander was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021-2022 New Jersey Young Composer's Competition and a finalist in the 2022 National Young Composers Challenge for the Ensemble category. He has also composed for the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, the Rowan University Concert Choir, the Lost Marbles String trio and has arranged selections for the Greater South Jersey Chorus. As a performer, Alexander was named a winner of the Rowan University Concerto Competition in both 2023 and 2025. He also won the NJMTA Young Musicians Competition Collegiate Division (Piano) in 2021 and 2023, and the SJMTA Technique Competition for 2023 and 2024. Alexander studies piano with Veda Zuponcic, conducting with Dr. Joseph Higgins, and composition with Roberto Pace and Dr. Christopher Thomas. Outside of music, Alexander is a member of the Martinson Honors College, where he serves as a BLAST Mentor and was named a Martinson Summer Scholar for 2024 and 2025.
Alexander DeStefano is a senior at Rowan University where he is a Music Education Instrumental (Piano) major. As a composer, Alexander seeks to use his compositions as a means to spread environmental awareness through the implementation of “found sound,” such as recycled glass. In 2025, Rowan University’s annual Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute Symposium featured the premiere of Alexander’s Sustained Glass, a work spanning 25 minutes composed solely of recycled glass objects. Alexander was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021-2022 New Jersey Young Composer's Competition and a finalist in the 2022 National Young Composers Challenge for the Ensemble category. He has also composed for the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, the Rowan University Concert Choir, the Lost Marbles String trio and has arranged selections for the Greater South Jersey Chorus. As a performer, Alexander was named a winner of the Rowan University Concerto Competition in both 2023 and 2025. He also won the NJMTA Young Musicians Competition Collegiate Division (Piano) in 2021 and 2023, and the SJMTA Technique Competition for 2023 and 2024. Alexander studies piano with Veda Zuponcic, conducting with Dr. Joseph Higgins, and composition with Roberto Pace and Dr. Christopher Thomas. Outside of music, Alexander is a member of the Martinson Honors College, where he serves as a BLAST Mentor and was named a Martinson Summer Scholar for 2024 and 2025.
Works
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Joseph Higgins, conductor, Ryan Mathis, Rudolph Kreutzer, and Aaron Breslau, soloists
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Large Ensemble
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Meet the Composer
Alexander DeStefano is a senior at Rowan University where he is a Music Education Instrumental (Piano) major. As a composer, Alexander uses his compositions as a means to spread environmental awareness through the implementation of “found sound,” such as recycled glass. In 2025, Rowan University’s annual Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute Symposium featured the premiere of Alexander’s Sustained Glass, a work spanning 25 minutes composed solely of recycled glass objects. Alexander was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021-2022 New Jersey Young Composer's Competition and a finalist in the 2022 National Young Composers Challenge for the Ensemble category. He has also composed for the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, the Rowan University Concert Choir, the Lost Marbles String trio and has arranged selections for the Greater South Jersey Chorus. As a performer, Alexander was named a winner of the Rowan University Concerto Competition in both 2023 and 2025. He also won the NJMTA Young Musicians Competition Collegiate Division (Piano) in 2021 and 2023, and the SJMTA Technique Competition for 2023 and 2024. Alexander studies piano with Veda Zuponcic, conducting with Dr. Joseph Higgins, and composition with Roberto Pace and Dr. Christopher Thomas. Outside of music, Alexander is a member of the Martinson Honors College, where he serves as a BLAST Mentor and was named a Martinson Summer Scholar for 2024 and 2025.
Alexander DeStefano is a senior at Rowan University where he is a Music Education Instrumental (Piano) major. As a composer, Alexander seeks to use his compositions as a means to spread environmental awareness through the implementation of “found sound,” such as recycled glass. In 2025, Rowan University’s annual Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute Symposium featured the premiere of Alexander’s Sustained Glass, a work spanning 25 minutes composed solely of recycled glass objects. Alexander was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021-2022 New Jersey Young Composer's Competition and a finalist in the 2022 National Young Composers Challenge for the Ensemble category. He has also composed for the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, the Rowan University Concert Choir, the Lost Marbles String trio and has arranged selections for the Greater South Jersey Chorus. As a performer, Alexander was named a winner of the Rowan University Concerto Competition in both 2023 and 2025. He also won the NJMTA Young Musicians Competition Collegiate Division (Piano) in 2021 and 2023, and the SJMTA Technique Competition for 2023 and 2024. Alexander studies piano with Veda Zuponcic, conducting with Dr. Joseph Higgins, and composition with Roberto Pace and Dr. Christopher Thomas. Outside of music, Alexander is a member of the Martinson Honors College, where he serves as a BLAST Mentor and was named a Martinson Summer Scholar for 2024 and 2025.
Works
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Joseph Higgins, conductor, Ryan Mathis, Rudolph Kreutzer, and Aaron Breslau, soloists
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Large Ensemble
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Meet the Composer
Alexander DeStefano is a senior at Rowan University where he is a Music Education Instrumental (Piano) major. As a composer, Alexander uses his compositions as a means to spread environmental awareness through the implementation of “found sound,” such as recycled glass. In 2025, Rowan University’s annual Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute Symposium featured the premiere of Alexander’s Sustained Glass, a work spanning 25 minutes composed solely of recycled glass objects. Alexander was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021-2022 New Jersey Young Composer's Competition and a finalist in the 2022 National Young Composers Challenge for the Ensemble category. He has also composed for the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, the Rowan University Concert Choir, the Lost Marbles String trio and has arranged selections for the Greater South Jersey Chorus. As a performer, Alexander was named a winner of the Rowan University Concerto Competition in both 2023 and 2025. He also won the NJMTA Young Musicians Competition Collegiate Division (Piano) in 2021 and 2023, and the SJMTA Technique Competition for 2023 and 2024. Alexander studies piano with Veda Zuponcic, conducting with Dr. Joseph Higgins, and composition with Roberto Pace and Dr. Christopher Thomas. Outside of music, Alexander is a member of the Martinson Honors College, where he serves as a BLAST Mentor and was named a Martinson Summer Scholar for 2024 and 2025.
Alexander DeStefano is a senior at Rowan University where he is a Music Education Instrumental (Piano) major. As a composer, Alexander seeks to use his compositions as a means to spread environmental awareness through the implementation of “found sound,” such as recycled glass. In 2025, Rowan University’s annual Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute Symposium featured the premiere of Alexander’s Sustained Glass, a work spanning 25 minutes composed solely of recycled glass objects. Alexander was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021-2022 New Jersey Young Composer's Competition and a finalist in the 2022 National Young Composers Challenge for the Ensemble category. He has also composed for the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, the Rowan University Concert Choir, the Lost Marbles String trio and has arranged selections for the Greater South Jersey Chorus. As a performer, Alexander was named a winner of the Rowan University Concerto Competition in both 2023 and 2025. He also won the NJMTA Young Musicians Competition Collegiate Division (Piano) in 2021 and 2023, and the SJMTA Technique Competition for 2023 and 2024. Alexander studies piano with Veda Zuponcic, conducting with Dr. Joseph Higgins, and composition with Roberto Pace and Dr. Christopher Thomas. Outside of music, Alexander is a member of the Martinson Honors College, where he serves as a BLAST Mentor and was named a Martinson Summer Scholar for 2024 and 2025.
Works
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Joseph Higgins, conductor, Ryan Mathis, Rudolph Kreutzer, and Aaron Breslau, soloists
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Large Ensemble
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Meet the Composer
Alexander DeStefano is a senior at Rowan University where he is a Music Education Instrumental (Piano) major. As a composer, Alexander uses his compositions as a means to spread environmental awareness through the implementation of “found sound,” such as recycled glass. In 2025, Rowan University’s annual Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute Symposium featured the premiere of Alexander’s Sustained Glass, a work spanning 25 minutes composed solely of recycled glass objects. Alexander was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021-2022 New Jersey Young Composer's Competition and a finalist in the 2022 National Young Composers Challenge for the Ensemble category. He has also composed for the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, the Rowan University Concert Choir, the Lost Marbles String trio and has arranged selections for the Greater South Jersey Chorus. As a performer, Alexander was named a winner of the Rowan University Concerto Competition in both 2023 and 2025. He also won the NJMTA Young Musicians Competition Collegiate Division (Piano) in 2021 and 2023, and the SJMTA Technique Competition for 2023 and 2024. Alexander studies piano with Veda Zuponcic, conducting with Dr. Joseph Higgins, and composition with Roberto Pace and Dr. Christopher Thomas. Outside of music, Alexander is a member of the Martinson Honors College, where he serves as a BLAST Mentor and was named a Martinson Summer Scholar for 2024 and 2025.
Alexander DeStefano is a senior at Rowan University where he is a Music Education Instrumental (Piano) major. As a composer, Alexander seeks to use his compositions as a means to spread environmental awareness through the implementation of “found sound,” such as recycled glass. In 2025, Rowan University’s annual Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute Symposium featured the premiere of Alexander’s Sustained Glass, a work spanning 25 minutes composed solely of recycled glass objects. Alexander was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2021-2022 New Jersey Young Composer's Competition and a finalist in the 2022 National Young Composers Challenge for the Ensemble category. He has also composed for the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, the Rowan University Concert Choir, the Lost Marbles String trio and has arranged selections for the Greater South Jersey Chorus. As a performer, Alexander was named a winner of the Rowan University Concerto Competition in both 2023 and 2025. He also won the NJMTA Young Musicians Competition Collegiate Division (Piano) in 2021 and 2023, and the SJMTA Technique Competition for 2023 and 2024. Alexander studies piano with Veda Zuponcic, conducting with Dr. Joseph Higgins, and composition with Roberto Pace and Dr. Christopher Thomas. Outside of music, Alexander is a member of the Martinson Honors College, where he serves as a BLAST Mentor and was named a Martinson Summer Scholar for 2024 and 2025.
Works
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Photo: Heritage Glass Museum display, Glassboro, NJ
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Joseph Higgins, conductor, Ryan Mathis, Rudolph Kreutzer, and Aaron Breslau, soloists
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Large Ensemble
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
Large Ensemble
To You (2025) for solo soprano, SATB choir, piano, and violoncello (15’)
Inspired by Rowan University’s “Re-Glassing Glassboro” recycling initiative, Our Glass integrates the concept of “found sound” through the use of various shapes and forms of physical glass. This ongoing experiment serves to showcase the novel timbres that can be experienced through glass instruments while raising awareness of sustainable glass recycling practices.
Premiered April 2025 by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Higgins, Conductor
Our Glass (2025) for recycled glass percussion and wind ensemble (12')
To You is adapted from Walt Whitman’s 1856 poem, “To You.” The work begins with an initial call to the listener, cautioning them about the “walks of dreams” and “supposed realities” of their consciousness. In this moment, the role of the speaker may not be immediately clear. Who could be this unnamed being, showing unconditional love, despite one’s apparent imperfections? The second section of the piece offers insight into the humanity of the speaker. Upon retrospection, feelings of regret give way to a discourse of love toward not only the listener, but all people. In an allegory to painters who merely glorify a center, distinct figure, the speaker portrays “no head without its nimbus of gold-color’d light.” In the third section, an assertive tension calls upon the listener to “claim their own,” and become the full fruition of their true self.
Premiered October 2025 by the Rowan University Concert Choir, Christopher Thomas, conductor, Lauren Loo, soprano, David Agia, cello, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Chamber Music
Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2025) (5')
Premiered December 2025 by Elizabeth Giordano, clarinet, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Meditation (2025) for string trio (2')
In the early stages of composing Meditation, I sought to explore gestures indicative of one’s stream of consciousness. As the writing process went on, the textures of the piece seemed to become “busier” than I expected. To me, the message of “Meditation” extends beyond portrayals of stillness and peace, to one that acknowledges active thought.
Premiered February 2025 by the Lost Marbles Trio, Alexandrina Boyanova, violin, Hannah Selin, viola, Valeriya Sholokhova, violoncello
Concrete Calls (2024) for piccolo and piano (4'30)
Concrete Calls evokes the sounds of a parking garage that is inhabited by birds. Their songs echo the grounds in which their home once flourished.
Premiered December 2024 by Emma Sawyer, piccolo, Alexander DeStefano, piano
Sustained Glass (2024) for recycled glass percussion duet (10'-25')
Sustained Glass (2024) is a companion piece to Our Glass (2025). Designed to encompass a flexible duration, Sustained Glass can be presented within many performance contexts, such as being performed outside, or as part of an atmospheric soundscape.
Written for the 3rd Annual AMMI End-of-Summer Symposium at Rowan University.
Premiered August 2024 by Alexander DeStefano and Dr. Joseph Higgins, recycled glass
Photo: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ready to Collaborate?
Contact me:
adestefanomusic@gmail.com
© 2026 Alexander DeStefano
