BIO

Zach Allred is a composer and multi-instrumentalist dedicated to exploring the intersection of traditional symphonic structures and modern electronic soundscapes. His musical journey began in the sixth grade on trumpet, later transitioning to the French horn—a dual-instrumental background that provides him with a deep, firsthand understanding of brass performance and ensemble dynamics. While his early years were spent in classical circles, a lifelong curiosity for the mechanics of sound eventually led him to the world of sound design and Digital Audio Workstations.

Zach’s creative voice truly began to take shape at Southern Utah University. After joining the Vanguard Ensemble, he became a key figure in the group’s significant growth and expansion, helping transform the niche collective into a prominent fixture of the university’s contemporary scene. His penchant for building new musical spaces also led him to serve as a founding member of several other ensembles, reflecting a career-long commitment to establishing new platforms for musical exploration.

During his time at SUU, Zach has refined his craft through a diverse range of commissions, from intricate chamber works—including woodwind quintets and piano trios—to high-energy percussion arrangements and cinematic film scores. It was through these acoustic explorations that Zach identified a compelling, untapped potential: the integration of synthesizers with live ensembles. While his current body of work highlights his command of acoustic orchestration, this vision of hybridity serves as the primary catalyst for his ongoing research and future compositions.

Zach Allred first discovered his voice in music through the trumpet and horn, but it was a simple classroom assignment for solo piano that unveiled his true calling: composition. Since that first spark, he has explored the vast sonic possibilities of ensembles ranging from intimate chamber groups to full concert bands. His work, Venture Undertaken, was chosen as the flagship premiere for Southern Utah University’s first-ever Young Composer concert—a milestone that follows his recognition as an honorable mention in the Hal Campbell Young Composer’s competition. For Zach, composing is a source of profound joy, and he is honored to share this debut with the community that has championed his growth.