A composer, conductor, and creative catalyst, Peter Askim is Music Director of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Artistic Director and Founder of The Next Festival of Emerging Artists, Conductor of the Raleigh Civic Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, and Director of Orchestral Activities at North Carolina State University.
Known for his visionary programming, dynamic musicianship, and steadfast commitment to amplifying living composers, Askim draws on his deep experience as an orchestral bassist, educator, professor, and civic leader to create experiences that uplift the rich voices and aspirations of overlooked communities.
Composer
As a composer, Askim has been praised by The Strad as “a modern master.” His works have been commissioned and performed by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Honolulu Symphony, Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Cantus Ansambl Zagreb, and the American Viola Society, as well as by prominent chamber ensembles such as ETHEL and the Aizuri Quartet, and by cellist Jeffrey Zeigler.
Bass World described his music as “an epic journey,” reflecting his deep lyricism and rhythmic vitality.
Next Fest
Founded in 2013 by composer and conductor Peter Askim, The Next Festival of Emerging Artists is committed to advancing contemporary music and cross-disciplinary artistic creation through performance, creation, audience engagement, and the nurturing of emerging artists with a passion for 21st-century artistic creation and collaboration.
Initially a one-week intensive, The Next Festival is now a multi-week experience consisting of performances, individual lessons, coaching, masterclasses, collaborations, and more.
Raleigh Civic Orchestras
Through his leadership of the Raleigh Civic Orchestras, Askim has redefined the role of the university and community symphony, pioneering multimedia concert experiences that explore pressing social and environmental themes alongside local and historical narratives. Since 2015, every concert under his direction has featured a newly commissioned world premiere. His programming philosophy reveals his conviction that classical music’s renewal lies in relevance, inclusion, and place.
News & Reviews
The Strad
Check out this month's issue of The Strad for a great concert review of The Next Festival of Emerging Artists with violinist Miranda Cuckson.
Read at The Strad
Indy Week 2019 Triangle Music Issue
“Under the direction of conductor Peter Askim, the orchestra has presented some of the most fascinating and inventive programs...”
Read more at Indy Week