Born in Oregon in 1917, James Niblock has BA & BEd from Washington State University, MA from Colorado College, and PhD from the University of Iowa. From 1948-1985 he was a faculty member of the School of Music at Michigan State University where he taught theory and compositon, played violin in the Beaumont String Quartet, finally being elected Chairman of the School of Music --a position he held for 15 years. He was also Concertmaster of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra.
Since retirement he continues to perform, conduct, and compose, especially for the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp-- an educational facility in Western Michigan that now serves more than 5000 young teen-agers in its four 2-week sessions. Many of Niblock's compositions have been written and performed for the anniversary celebrations of this camp. e.g. the 35th anniversary presented 4 performances of his opera "RUTH", based on the biblical text. For the summer 2006 the 40th anniversary, his new chamber opera, "The Last Leaf", based on a short story by O.Henry, will be performed 10 times.
James Niblock (*Oregon, USA, 1917)
Composer, violinist, University teacher
of theory and composition, Beaumont
String Quartet member.
Actually lives at Michigan.
Niblock's more than 100 compositions are housed at the Michigan State University Library Archives. Many of these have been frequently performed both in America and in Europe. His music for Trio (violin,clarinet, piano) is available on CD. His Choral works are published by Harrock Hall, and his instrumental works are being published by Brotons & Mercadal Edicions.
