Phillip Bimstein

Alternative classical composer Phillip Bimstein lives in Springdale, Utah, where he also served two terms as mayor. Known as “ America’s only all natural politician composer,” Bimstein has used music throughout his career as politician and environmental activist.

In 1995, Bimstein testified twice before Congress in support of Utah's wilderness, and in 1997 he testified for the banning of airplane overflights above Zion National Park. He has argued for better management of growth on KUED's "Civic Dialogue." He has served on numerous councils including the Utah Humanities Council, Utah League of Cities and Towns, Family Now, and committees for the Washington County Economic Development Council, and the Virgin River Management Plan.

A recipient of grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Meet The Composer, American Composers Forum and Austria's Prix Ars Electronica, Bimstein's music has been performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Bang on a Can Festival, the Aspen Music Festival and London's Royal Opera House. Bimstein was born in Chicago and is a graduate of Chicago Conservatory of Music, where he majored in theory & composition. Fascinated by language and the ability of music to tell a story, he frequently incorporates text in his work. Refuge, his string quartet based on the book by Utah naturalist Terry Tempest Williams, was described as "sublime - elegant perfection" by the Deseret News. Ensembles who have performed Bimstein's works include Relache, Turtle Island String Quartet, Modern Mandolin Quartet, Present Music, Abramyan String Quartet, Sierra Winds, Equinox Chamber Players, the California E.A.R. Unit and Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues.