Paul Chihara, born in Seattle in 1938, has composed for the concert hall, ballet, film and television. He received his doctorate from Cornell University in 1965, studying with Robert Palmer, and also worked with Nadia Boulanger, Ernst Pepping and Gunther Schuller. He was the first composer-in-residence of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and served as composer-in-residence with the San Francisco Ballet. His concert music includes works for orchestra and varied chamber ensembles, often exploring distinctive instrumental colors and musical references. Alongside this work, he has written scores for films including Prince of the City, The Morning After and Crossing Delancey. His honors and commissions include support from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.