Portuguese-born composer Professor João Pedro Oliveira (PT/US) holds multiple degrees in various areas, in architecture (BS, Lisbon School of Fine Arts, 1981), organ performance (Superior Degree, Gregorian Institute, Lisbon, 1985), music theory (MA, SUNY/Stony Brook, 1988), and composition (MA, 1987 and Ph.D., 1990, SUNY/Stony Brook). From 1985 to 1990, he was a Fulbright Scholar in the US and simultaneously held a fellowship from the Gulbenkian Foundation, a Portuguese foundation that supports the arts, sciences, and education. He has held various teaching posts: Assistant Professor at Aveiro University, Portugal (1990-1998); Associate Professor, Aveiro University (1998-2002); Full Professor, Aveiro University (2002-2019); and Full Professor, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil (2011-2019). Additionally, he has held several visiting appointments (Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, New Zealand, and the US).

Oliveira’s music explores multiple facets of the interaction between acoustic instruments and electronic sounds and, further, relationships between sound and images. His works include over 100 compositions published in various countries (opera, orchestral and choral, chamber music, solo instrumental pieces, tape/electroacoustic works, video, music for public spaces, orchestrations, and arrangements). His discography includes 11 solo/monographic CDs, as well as other pieces recorded on over 50 CDs. Fifty-six pieces were composed on commission. Oliveira’s music is frequently performed nationally and internationally. In 2019 alone, there were over 100 performances in more than 20 countries. In competitions, Oliveira has been highly successful, garnering 54 prizes or Honorable Mentions. 25 were first prizes, among others, the Bourges Magisterium Prize, Giga-Hertz Award, Musica Nova Prize, and Metamorphosis Competition. Oliveira’s stature in the field is reflected in over 10 articles/book chapters about him and his music. In addition to the artistic work and accomplishments as a composer, Oliveira has also been active for many years as an author and co-author, having published a large-scale analysis book (1999) and 21 articles and chapters on a variety of topics.