This is a composer to watch.
— Philadelphia Inquirer

“Ra’s knack for expressive, virtuosic string writing came through…Each movement highlighted an aspect of the composer’s deeply held spirituality and the intercessory connection to God.”

-The Boston Musical Intelligencer

“James Ra’s music is coursing with adrenaline-pumping energy.”

- Star Ledger

“Ra’s Concerto Grosso No. 1 had a tremendous impact on the audience and was dramatically expressed.”

- Japan Times

“This is a composer to watch.”

- The Philadelphia Inquirer

“N.J. Symphony rings in Lunar New Year with riveting new piece…the biggest cross-cultural work on the program was brand new: For the first time, the New Jersey Symphony commissioned a piece to be premiered at the Lunar New Year Concert…Ra’s music is a jazzy riff on the coming of spring…Kwon gave the piece’s mix of what Zhang called “Korean soul and Rachmaninoff” plenty of intensity as well as a touch of Gershwin-like swing.

-NJ.com

FEATURED RECORDING

TE DEUM

Curtis Symphony Orchestra; Robert Spano, conductor; commissioned by the Curtis Institute of Music.

RING O BELLS!

New Jersey Youth Symphony 45th Anniversary Concert May 5, 2024 New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ

NJYS Youth Symphony: Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Conductor

World Premiere • Commissioned with the generous support of sponsors for the New Jersey Youth Symphony in commemoration of its 45th Anniversary.

REVERIE IN CARMEL by James Ra; performed by Kyung-Sook Lee; commissioned by the Curtis Institute of Music.