On this episode of One Symphony with Devin Patrick Hughes, composer Nan Avant takes us on a journey through her orchestral world — where nature, heritage, and imagination meet in music. Known for works inspired by the sea, the winds of Lahaina, and the birth of distant nebulas, Nan Avant blends classical tradition, cinematic color, and unexpected sounds — from steel road plates to wind machines — to tell her stories.
From her Peruvian roots and classical piano training to collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra and Northwest Sinfonia, Avant reveals how she turns personal memories and natural landscapes into vivid symphonic experiences. She also shares insights into orchestration, working directly with musicians, and weaving cultural influences into her scores.
Music in this episode:
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Aloha ‘Oe – Queen Lili’uokalani, jazz bossa nova arrangement by Nan Avant
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End Credit Music from Remember Me (2009)
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Bijoux (The Nebulae) – Northwest Sinfonia Orchestra, David Sabee conducting
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Soundness of the Sea for Violin and Piano
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Wind Machine and Bass Drum demonstration
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Lahaina – Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra – London Symphony Orchestra, featured on Symphonic Stradivarius
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Tributum – Northwest Sinfonia Orchestra, David Sabee conducting
Whether you’re drawn to the craft of composition, curious about the sounds that shape an orchestra, or simply love hearing music’s human stories, this conversation with Nan Avant offers a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of a modern composer.
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