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Rising composer Evan Williams ’10 attributes much of his burgeoning music career to his time at Lawrence University. “Most, if not all, of the successes in my professional life I can point back to Lawrence as being the starting place for that,” said Williams, who graduated with a major in music theory and composition in 2011.

Williams is preparing for a significant milestone: the performance of his harpsichord concerto, "Dead White Man Music," by the London Philharmonic in January 2025. He also teaches composition, conducting, and music technology at Berklee College of Music and has contributed to numerous collaborations, including soprano Katherine Jolly's debut album "Preach Sister, Preach."

His academic achievements include a doctorate from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and fellowships from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. He has served as Composer-in-Residence with both the Detroit Symphony and currently with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.

Williams is also working on a piece for the Lawrence University Wind Ensemble, set to be performed during the Conservatory’s 150th anniversary celebration. “Andy Mast (Lawrence’s associate dean of the Conservatory) called and asked if I’d write this piece,” Williams said. “He’s been a great mentor for me and a supporter of my work over the years.”

Mast is one among several mentors who have influenced Williams’ career. Joanne Metcalf and Asha Srinivasan are other notable figures from Lawrence’s Composition Department who played crucial roles in his training.

In 2017-18, Williams temporarily taught at Lawrence during a faculty sabbatical and served briefly on its Board of Trustees before scheduling conflicts arose.

Williams' journey began when he arrived at Lawrence in 2006 from Matteson, Illinois. Initially focused on music education, he switched to composition during his junior year while remaining active in various musical performances. His diverse interests extended beyond music to include government, history, poetry, and Latin classes—all influences that permeate his compositions today.

Reflecting on his undergraduate years, Williams noted how they shaped his career path. “They let me be unsure about what I wanted to do,” he said. “They really let me take the time to explore.”

Mast observed Williams’ broad musical interests early on. “He was a very good trombone player but always anxious to explore composition and conducting,” Mast said. “When I think of the prototypical Lawrence student who is curious, open, and multi-faceted, Evan is always one of the first examples I think of.”

A pivotal moment came during Williams’ junior year when composer David Maslanka visited as composer-in-residence for the Wind Ensemble. Inspired by Maslanka’s works like "A Child’s Garden of Dreams" and "Symphony No. 8," Williams decided then that he would pursue professional composing.

After graduating from Lawrence, Williams earned advanced degrees from Bowling Green State University and the University of Cincinnati. He has since been commissioned by ensembles such as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Urban Playground Chamber Orchestra.

Thirteen years post-graduation, Williams anticipates seeing his work performed by the London Philharmonic—a piece described as part homage to classical composers like Bach and Brahms, part celebration of jazz and gospel influences, and part critique on diversity within Western classical music canon.

Before heading to London, Williams will return to Lawrence for another performance—his latest composition celebrating his alma mater’s anniversary. Reflecting on his experiences at Lawrence, he concluded: “It all has informed my music. It all mattered in the end.”