Ted Babcock is a Philadelphia-based composer and percussionist.
As a composer, his works ride the boundaries between conceptual electronics, percussive counterpoint, and an instinctual lyricism. Recent premieres include works written for the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, which has been selected by the America Composer’s Orchestra Earshot Program for the Spring 2024 season, and for the Viano String Quartet documenting the lives of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. His compositions have been premiered domestically and internationally at such venues as the New World Symphony Center, the Museum of Fine Art Boston, and the University of Nanjing. Other recent projects include the premiere of his first solo album Trilogies for percussionist and electronics, which was praised by I Care if You Listen as “…worthy of redefining the repertoire on the vibraphone.” He has been commissioned by leading performers and presenters such as arx percussion duo, Fringe Arts Philadelphia, the H2 saxophone quartet, percussionist/videographer Evan Chapman, the Curtis Institute of Music, flutist Antonina Styczen, and members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. His works have received praise for their innovation and craft from an eclectic following, from film festivals and concert stages to the band Wilco.
In addition to his work as a composer, he is two- time Grammy-nominated percussionist for his work with The Crossing Choir and has performed with Grammy award-winning contemporary music groups such as the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and eighth blackbird. He has also appeared with many leading chamber ensembles such as Opera Philadelphia, Astral Artists, and the NOVUS ensemble of Trinity Wall St. An avid collaborator, he has assisted, performed, and recorded for many of the leading composers of our time such as Tristan Perich, Michael Gordon, David Lang, Gabriella Smith, David Hertzberg, George Crumb and many others. His playing has been featured in ‘best of’ lists in the New York Times and National Public Radio, as well as Rolling Stone Magazine. As a recording artist, he can also be heard on labels such as Navona, Tzadik, and New Focus Records.
He received degrees in composition, percussion, and community artistry from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and the Curtis Institute of Music.