Michael Zapruder
Co-Director
Michael Zapruder is a composer, performing songwriter and interdisciplinary artist whose works freely use, mix, cross and explore contemporary composition and songwriting. Zapruder spent many years living and working in Oakland, California and has deep roots in the Bay Area. He now lives and works in Austin, Texas.
James Parker
Co-Director
James Parker is a composer, artist, and peformer from Austin, TX. His work questions ideas of authorship in contemporary society, engages with North American folk traditions, and encourages play and experimentation. James is an avid Tango dancer, amateur arborist, and, according to his partner, an excellent cook.
“if you are falling… dive” - Joseph Campbell
CHRIS PROSSER
Co-Director/Founder
Chris Prosser oversees the vision, strategy, and long-term growth of the concert series, and also conducts large ensemble works. Chris holds degrees in Music Composition from The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Oregon, and Louisiana State University. Outside of his work with Tetractys, you can find Chris on the basketball court making it rain from way downtown, or trying out a new recipe in his home kitchen.
“Write the music you believe in.” —Robert Kyr
Julie Fiore
Co-Director
Julie Fiore’s curiosity not only fuels her creative approach but also drives her work in various dynamic roles—whether it's telling an organization’s story, crafting strategic plans, coordinating production schedules, or creating productions from scratch.
Julie is the Founder & Artistic Director of One Ounce Opera and Creative Strategist at Zanate Ventures, a local content & marketing operation. You might have seen her running around Here Be Monsters I and II, making sure stuff we wanted to happen did so without a hitch! She holds degrees in vocal performance from the University of North Texas and the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. Ask her about her dogs or her love for the Indigo Girls – at your own risk.
Steven Sérpa
Co-Director
Steven Sérpa is a composer, performer, and producer who relocated to Austin, TX from little Rhode Island. He’s earned degrees in music composition, music history, and early music performance, and his work in music crosses the divide between “high” art and “popular” musics with a particular focus on queerness, inclusivity, and ideas of identity.
Steven’s orchestral and chamber works have been performed by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, among others, and he was recently chosen by the American Composers Orchestra to be part of their EarShot emerging composer fellowship. Recent premieres include james (book of ruth), a dramatic oratorio tackling HIV Stigma that was premiered by Inversion Ensemble in Austin, TX, and a one-act opera these wings are meant to fly responding to the Pulse nightclub shooting premiered by Thompson Street Opera in Chicago with other productions in Toronto, Montréal, Hartford, and Austin; both works written in collaboration with playwright Zac Kline. Steven studied at Longy School of Music, the Hartt School of Music, the University of Rhode Island, and the University of Texas at Austin; and with composers Tom Cipullo, Dan Welcher, and Yevgeniy Sharlat, earning his doctorate in composition from the University of Texas at Austin. Steven and his partner have a homestead just east of Austin on nearly 8 acres surrounded by their garden plots, three rescue dogs, and thousands of honeybees in their apiary.