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"A substantial work . . . very evocative and exciting . . .
[a] gifted young composer." 'Classics in Bloom,' naturally April 4, 2019 | Waukesha Freeman "Beranek used traditional harmonies in interesting ways to create some striking textures."
From Renaissance to Contemporary: the Gesualdo Six at Cadogan Hall March 9, 2019 | Planet Hugill "It was my faith, my heritage, this strong pull to write something all just led right to [this] text,' Beranek said."
Oconomowoc area composer wins worldwide musical composition contest February 25, 2019 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "Some artists take years to finish their particular masterpiece. Oconomowoc native Jacob Beranek took just a month."
A prayer answered February 21, 2019 | Waukesha Freeman "Dignitaries, including the U.S. ambassador to Czechia and the great-great-grandson of famous Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, were in attendance. Beranek was the only American represented on the program."
International dream comes true for Blair composition major February 7, 2019 | Vanderbilt News “. . . idiomatic word setting, excellent command of vocal line, harmonic colour, and suitability for the Gesualdo Six’s voices and programming style.” --Cheryl Frances-Hoad
Composition Competition 2019 January 25, 2019 | The Gesualdo Six "Beranek . . . is properly taking advantage of his roots – a close relationship to Czech music is proclaimed and projected into what he composes. . . . He plays quite capably with motifs of [Czech] national songs and also with the rhythm of the furiant, but still has the sound-world of typical American music, therein showing affiliation with his heritage. Beranek layers musical structures skillfully and effectively."
Prolog Dnu Bohuslava Martinu s policejním orchestrem (in Czech) Click here for English translation November 19, 2018 | KlasikaPlus ". . . a local premiere by a local composer would appear to be the concert’s special treat. . . . Oboist Butler reflects that 'While Jacob states that he was exploring melody while writing Partita, I am particularly attracted to its rich harmonic elements and rhythmic complexity."
11 Musicians, 4 Great Works November 1, 2018 | Urban Milwaukee "I can’t wait to hear it. It is particularly exciting to be able to be among those hearing a piece the very first time it is played."
American composers featured in Midsummer's Music concerts August 27, 2018 | Green Bay Press Gazette "Another world premiere was also on the docket for Margaret Butler, the MSO’s English hornist. [ . . . ] Jacob Beranek . . . wrote Partita Melodica for her. It fits with the ethos of the festival, which offers offbeat and new repertoire in living rooms, art galleries, churches, and other venues."
What We Did on Our Summer "Vacation": 2018 Edition August 22, 2018 | Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra "'[Beranek's] ability to communicate musically is an extraordinary gift.'"
From Waukesha to Prague: Jacob Beranek's Music Soars July 5, 2018 | Footlights.com "Beranek doesn't look in the mirror and see a prodigy. In fact, he tries to steer clear of the label . . . , [which Beranek thinks] undersells the painstaking work that went into [his] achievements. That said, the 18-year-old composer-in-residence at Door County's Midsummer's Music Festival is fully aware that his guiding of world-class professionals two or three times his age is a startling reversal of roles.
Something young, something new from composer Beranek July 17, 2017 | Green Bay Press Gazette |
. . . an emerging composer on the national scene . . . people need to hear his work. . . . a real joy . . .
—Margaret Butler Principal English Horn, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra 
One of the most promising student composers I've ever had the pleasure to teach.
—Dr. Michael Alec Rose Vanderbilt University 
Jacob is one to watch on the classical music scene for many years to come, and it’s a delight to see his music evolve.
—Dr. James Berkenstock Artistic Director, Midsummer's Music |
