Paul Chihara

Paul Chihara (born June 9, 1938) is an American composer of orchestral, chamber, vocal, and film music. He is known for his eclectic style, which blends elements of serialism, jazz, and Asian music traditions.

Chihara was born in Seattle, Washington. He studied at the University of Washington, Cornell University, and the Conservatoire de Paris with Nadia Boulanger. He also studied privately with Gunther Schuller.

Chihara's compositional output is extensive, encompassing a wide range of genres. His orchestral works include symphonies, concertos, and tone poems. He has also written extensively for chamber ensembles, as well as vocal works including operas and song cycles.

He has composed music for over 100 films and television shows, including "Death Race 2000," "Prince of the City," and "Rising Sun."

Chihara has received numerous awards and honors for his music, including grants from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. He has taught at UCLA and the University of California, Los Angeles. His music is published by Hendon Music, Boosey & Hawkes, and Theodore Presser Company.