Composer and pianist Benjamin T. Nylander draws inspiration from a background in traditional western performance and a variety of art forms including fi lm, literature, theatre, and visual art. In his work, Nylander frequently embraces themes of a deep reverence of nature and human connection. He works toward an art form that transcends ideas of innovation and consumerism and strives for vitality and truth above all. Nylander has enjoyed many recent premieres of his works, including the chamber opera Nuclear performed and recorded by the Bowling Green State University Opera studio, Camp for chamber orchestra premiered by the Bowling Green State University New Music Ensemble, Portrait of a Dreamer read and recorded by the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, and Tripwire 16 read and recorded by the Rhythm Methods String Quartet. Nylander has received artist residencies at the Snow Pond Music Festival in Sidney, Maine and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts in Amherst, Virginia. Recent significant performances include Viet Cuong’s Sanctuary at the 2021 Bowling Green State University New Music Festival, Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto no. 2 in G minor, I. Andante sostenuto with the Susquehanna University Orchestra, and a chamber recital at Niigata University in Japan as part of Susquehanna University’s GO Program. Benjamin T. Nylander holds degrees in Music Composition (MM) from Bowling Green State University and Piano Performance (BM) from Susquehanna University. He has studied composition with Marilyn Shrude, Christopher Dietz, Mikel Kuehn, and Patrick Long in addition to piano with Solungga Liu, Naomi Niskala, and Marcos Krieger.