Bio

Southern California native, Justin Messina (b. 1980) works with both acoustic and electronic means to create works that explore the expressive nature of sound.  These works range from large orchestral compositions to electronically created sound installations.
 

Through installations like Island, recorded at Channel Islands National Park, he explores the relationship between music and sound by recording acoustic instruments in unusual acoustic spaces like sea caves and forests. Island will be on display at the Chrisman California Island Center upon its opening. 

His album Shortwave Artifacts investigates the mysterious nature of radio. Made entirely of radio sounds and music for string ensemble, the album emerged naturally following a decade of interest in electronics music and techno. 

His works have been performed at major concert halls in the US and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, Cité de la Musique, Concertgebouw, and Wiener Musikverein. 

In addition to his own compositions, he has worked as an arranger, copyist, and electronic musician with acts including Yo-Yo Ma, the Silk Road Ensemble, Bela Fleck, Oswaldo Golijov, Adam Schoenberg, Brooklyn Rider, and Francesco Tristano.