Kerry Lewis

ComposerArranger

About Kerry

Kerry Lewis is a distinguished composer and arranger with over 40 years of experience in music. He studied under the legendary Lou Harrison and has composed numerous works performed by leading orchestras and choirs. His compositions span a wide range of genres, from art songs to full orchestral pieces. Kerry’s work has been commissioned by prominent groups like the San Jose Chamber Orchestra. Learn more about Kerry’s dedication to crafting music that resonates.

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Discover the Art of Dance

Kerry Lewis’ ‘Elegy for Lou Harrison’ was a heavy-hearted threnody in a minor key venturing into tone rows, then going major in the animated dance finale. A lead string quartet is woven into the fabric, and eventually the harp provides a touching counterpoint to what struck me as a highly effective opus and a moving tribute to a unique composer.

Paul Hertelendy, ArtsSF.com

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Discover the Art of Dance

Kerry Lewis is an amazing composer and arranger. I’ve worked with him for more than 15 years, conducting the world premieres of “Cruise Control” and “Refuge.” “Cruise Control” … met with great success. “Refuge” is a poignant and personal expression of feelings through music regarding the Covid pandemic. Kerry’s musical language is intensely lyrical, rhythmically compelling, often playful, and always masterfully crafted with great depth. We’ve also collaborated on numerous projects in which Kerry wrote outstanding arrangements of existing works both for professional and youth orchestras. Every arrangement we played was expertly written… Kerry is a master composer and arranger, and I can’t wait for our next project!

Anthony Quartuccio, assistant conductor, San Jose Chamber Orchestra

Explore Kerry’s Musical Works

Kerry Lewis’s compositions span a wide range of styles and ensembles, reflecting his deep understanding of both classical traditions and modern innovations. Explore his body of work, from orchestral pieces to choral arrangements, all available for purchase on JW Pepper.

  • Arrangements

    I’ve written many arrangements of my own compositions and of pieces by other composers. An example of the former is the lighthearted “Blueberry Muffins” for treble choir and piano , which is an arrangement of my original solo voice version, one of the “Three Songs for Arden”. I am always available to write similar arrangements of other pieces of mine on request.
    One of the arrangements I’ve written of another composer’s work is the string orchestra version of Dvorak’s “Silent Woods.” Other such arrangements will be uploaded soon – for example a string orchestra arrangement of Franz Krommer’s delightful Concerto for Two Clarinets and (full) Orchestra, Op. 35, and a string orchestra arrangement of Schumann’s Cello Concerto. Some of my other arrangements – alas! – can’t be shared with you because they were licensed for a single performance only. For example, Vaughan Williams’ “Songs of Travel” arranged for strings, harp, and high voice.