Southport Performing Arts Conservatory and Entertainment

Sarah J. Ritch was introduced to music early in life through various instrumental studies encouraged by a very musical family. Though encouraged in the classics, Sarah found herself playing guitar and bass in several Punk and Metal bands between 1996 and 2003, eventually leading to an interest in composition. In 1999, Sarah began her formal musical training in cello performance studying with Moonlight Tran, Assistant Principal of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra and Dr. Andrew Smith.

In the Fall of 2003, Ms. Ritch began at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas studying composition and counterpoint with Professor/Composer Paul Seitz. Sarah continued on to Chicago, earning a BM from Roosevelt University and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Sound from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Sarah was composer-in-residence for the Chicago group The Millennium Chamber Players during the 2007/2008 season and is a founding member of Chicago's newest sensation, Anaphora. Sarah Ritch has had premieres in Chicago, New York, Israel, and throughout Europe by Anaphora, the Millennium Chamber Players, the Dal Niente sub-group, AI, and by soloists Guy Figer, Aurelien Pederzoli, and composer/violinist Carmel Raz. Ms. Ritch has studied with Stacy Garrop, Kyong Mee Choi, Don Malone, Nic Collins, and Julia Miller. Sarah also greatly enjoys teaching at the Southport Performing Arts Conservatory (S.P.A.C.E.).

Sarah Ritch is a mostly tonal composer who calls on her diverse cultural background for inspiration. Recent developments have introduced minimalist approaches and conceptual processes into the composer's work, as well as collaborative efforts with visual artists. Sarah Ritch continues to pair live electronics with her acoustic ensembles.