Kristupas Bubnelis is a New York-based Lithuanian composer, exploring microtonality, timbral and temporal hybridity, and the poetics of decay. Noted for “decisive clarity and captivating harmonic brilliance” (Bernhard Uske, Frankfurter Rundschau), Bubnelis’ works are often inspired by urban and natural environments as well as literature and visual art forms. Working in concert halls and beyond, his music contains both composed and unmanipulated sonic structures, creating “a sense of fragile beauty, and unerring professionalism.” (Anna Veismane, ISCM)

Bubnelis has worked in a variety of genres, including symphony and chamber orchestras, ensembles, solo instruments, and electronics. Growing international acclaim in recent years has brought his works to countries such as Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Indonesia, the UK, the US, Canada, and Switzerland. A nominee of the Prince Pierre Foundation de Monaco Musical Springboard Award (2025), he also won the Second International Eduardas Balsys Young Composers’ Competition (2021). His collaborations include performances with renowned collectives such as Ensemble Modern (Germany), Wet Ink Ensemble (US), Caput Ensemble (Iceland), and Quasar Saxophone Quartet (Canada), among others.

Currently, he is a doctoral student at Columbia University, studying with Georg Friedrich Haas and Marcos Balter. He holds a master’s degree from the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied with Rubens Askenar and Edmund Finnis, graduating with distinction and receiving the DipRAM Award for an outstanding portfolio. He also earned his bachelor’s degree from the same institution under the tutelage of Christopher Austin, where he received the G. V. Turner-Cooke Composition Award.

Bubnelis has participated in masterclasses and seminars with Hans Abrahamsen, Oscar Bianchi, Harrison Birtwistle, Unsuk Chin, Oliver Knussen, and Claus-Steffen Mahnkopf. His works have been featured at major international festivals, including the International Rostrum of Composers (2022), the Lucerne Festival Academy (2023), California Festival (2023), ISCM World New Music Days (2024), and the International Young Composers Academy Ticino (2025).

Other achievements include the Lithuanian Composers’ Union Prize (2024) for the best works in chamber orchestra and ensemble categories, as well as the Young Composers’ Prize and Best Chamber Composition Award (2022). Recent highlights include premieres at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall in October 2025, following the release of his debut album, produced by the Lithuanian Music Information Centre (LMIC). In 2026, Bubnelis will collaborate with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and the International Contemporary Ensemble (US).

More information: https://music.columbia.edu/content/kristupas-bubnelis