Julia Fink Wolfe ’77, Pulitzer Prize-winning contemporary composer whose music has been performed around the world, had a recent orchestral work, Pretty, co-commissioned and performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra on their opening night, Thursday, September 25.

“Julia Wolfe’s works make headlines, change hearts, and draw new fans with each new bold venture,” writes The Philadelphia Orchestra. “Pretty…boldly combines a vernacular American sound with noise, power, delicacy, and aggression.” The Philadelphia Inquirer hailed the piece as “the work of a rich creative mind having a blast, playing with traditional symphonic expectations.”

Philadelphia is not the only city to enjoy Pretty, – it was co-commissioned by the Berlin Philharmonic for its world premiere, the Houston Symphony, and the St. Louis Symphony. 

“The idea behind the work was to turn the definition of ‘pretty’ on its head,” Wolfe said. “The word is often used in association with girls and women, implying something nice but without any power. My Pretty is high energy and driving – with work rhythms and a bit of rock and roll. It has a very American sensibility, which was fun to bring to Berlin, and a natural for the Philadelphia Orchestra. It was thrilling to work with the Philadelphia Orchestra here in my home city! They are just amazing. The conductor, Yannick, makes the piece soar.”

Beyond composing, Wolfe founded the trailblazing music festival and collective Bang on a Can in 1987, which continues today, commissioning and presenting new work by living composers. Among her career highlights is Fire in my mouth, premiered by the New York Philharmonic and 146 singers, a powerful piece addressing the struggles of young immigrant women working in New York’s garment industry at the turn of the century. 

Wolfe received the Pulitzer Prize in Music in 2015 for Anthracite Fields, which explores the history and labor of the Pennsylvania anthracite coal region just north of where she grew up. 

She also credits Germantown Academy for shaping her as a thinker and creator. While she hadn’t yet fully immersed herself into the world of music during her GA years, she remembers being deeply engaged in learning. 

“The reverence for history and the love of literature were all very formative,” Wolfe said. “I would also say that playing team sports had an impact. Individuals working together, counting on each other, is a beautiful thing. I am grateful for the very dynamic and thoughtful education that GA provided.”

From GA classrooms to the world’s leading concert halls, Wolfe continues to challenge expectations and inspire audiences with music that is as daring as it is moving.