Riley Ferretti (b. 2000) is a composer whose music explores the connections between the voice, technology, and the human experience. Through choral, instrumental, and electronic works, Ferretti draws inspiration from poetry, nature, and personal experience to create music that invites performers and audiences into moments of reflection, discovery, and shared experience.

 

A significant part of Ferretti’s choral music has been developed through ongoing collaboration with the University of Louisville’s vocal ensembles, where many of their works have received performances and premieres. Their music has also been performed by ensembles including the Washington Master Chorale, Longleash, Ekmeles, Ensemble Dal Niente, and the University of Florida New Music Vocal Ensemble. Ferretti’s work has been recognized through the Chorus Austin Composer’s Competition Young Composers Division, the KMEA Collegiate Composition Competition, the International Alliance for Women in Music Search for New Music, and presentations at SEAMUS, the FSU Festival of New Music, and the Performing Media Festival.

 

Ferretti’s recent work includes Cum erubuerint, a piece for voice, Max/MSP electronics, and audio-reactive visual elements created for the Ohio State University’s ACCAD Open House, as well as an original piano composition commissioned by Penguin Random House for the promotional campaign of Sophie Chen Keller’s Little Wonder.

 

Ferretti holds degrees in music composition from the University of Louisville and the University of Florida. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member, Score Video Project Lead, and Alumni Composer Representative for the Collegiate Choral Composition Community, where she supports the creation and performance of new choral music through mentorship, educational initiatives, and digital media.

 

When not composing, Ferretti can usually be found exploring new sounds, hiking, or spending time with her two cats, Oyster and Noodle.