The Harmonium Choral Society has announced that Laurel Luke Christensen will join the team as the new emerging composer-in-residence.

At 30 years old, Christensen will begin her residency in January 2025, working alongside current composer-in-residence Mark Miller.

"In large part, this opportunity is thanks to socially aware conductors and composers who actively seek out and support emerging voices like mine," Christensen shared in an official statement. "Having spent years in a compositional cocoon, there's a certain longing reflected in my music. I often create works that explore unresolved emotions, conflicting feelings, and at times, darkness. My goal is for my music to serve as a form of advocacy. Aesthetically, I enjoy experimenting with extended harmonies, aleatoric techniques, mixed and asymmetrical meters, and quartal and quintal harmonies. I strive to craft each piece with moments that 'pierce' and others that 'thud.' I’m drawn to the emotional complexity in music, the challenge of solving its mathematical puzzles, and the joy of its creation. Every moment spent in my creative space is a gift I’m deeply grateful for."

Christensen has earned recognition through competitions such as those hosted by the Virginia Chorale, Siena College, and the ACDA-PA Choral Competition. Her compositions have been performed by choirs of all levels across the United States.