Hiram Titus

For the last thirty years, Hiram Titus has been associated with many local and regional theaters including the Guthrie Theatre and the Minneapolis Children's Theater where he was Composer in Residence for four years. His theater and opera scores have been enjoyed throughout the world as well as his television and film scores. Mr. Titus has also produced and directed theater and video productions. Early in life he enjoyed a career as a concert pianist, making his debut at age fourteen with the Minnesota Orchestra and as finalist in the New York Philharmonic Orchestra's young artist competition. He attended Oberlin College, where he earned degrees in piano and composition.

Hiram Titus began his musical career in music at the advanced age of two. Playing by ear at the piano, and improvising, his fascination with music started early. His piano studies began with Guy Duckworth (at age 10) at the University of Minnesota and Domenic Argento (at age 12) were followed by a major in piano and minor in composition at Oberlin College where he performed many important contemporary piano works by Schoenberg, Bartok, Stravinsky, and Berg. He continued his interest in composition by creating works for theater and modern dance.

After graduation, Hiram returned to Minneapolis where he was discovered by the Minneapolis Children's Theater and offered a full time position as Composer in Residence. Soon he was also creating scores for productions at the Guthrie Theater, and other theater companies around the country, as well as operas for Minnesota Opera and the Houston Grand Opera.

He has this to say about working on "The 500 Hats":

"A highlight for me was being chosen to compose the score for the first ever stage adaptation of "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins", for the Childrens Theater in Minneapolis and being able to meet and spend time with the author, Dr. Seuss himself. A great guy and a wonderful experience."

In the last twenty years, Mr. Titus has continued to write for theater, film, television, dance, opera, churches, computer software, and even theme parks. His music has been heard world wide and his theatre and concert works have been performed and appreciated in China, Russia, Canada, Japan, and many locations in the USA. Mr. Titus also enjoys painting and creative writing. He is currently working on his second novel. This year he he has begun teaching classes on improvisation and arranging.

Awards as a Pianist

Numerous awards beginning around age 8 from local Twin Cities musical societies including The Thursday Musicale, and the Schubert Club. Also chosen to be soloist with the MInneapolis Symphony at age 14.
Winner in the NMTA national competitions
Finalist in the New York Philharmonic Young Artist Competition, where as a senior in high school he performed for Leonard Bernstein at Carnagie Hall.
Winner of Van Cliburn Scholarship to National Music Camp in Interlochen Michigan, also won the Joseph E Maddy award in composition
Regnery Scholarship to Oberlin Conservatory
Rudolf Serkin Prize for piano at Oberlin
Minneapolis Critics award Kudos for outstanding work in Theater
LA Dramalogue awards for theater scores in California