Composer Paola Prestini Signs With Blu Ocean Arts

The Italian-American composer will be represented by Michael and Helen Henson

Italian-American composer Paola Prestini will join artists such as Conor Hanick, Dan Tepfer, Jeffrey Zeigler, and Sandbox Percussion on the Blu Ocean Arts' roster.

Prestini studied at The Juilliard School with Samuel Adler and Peter Maxwell Davies. Her output has seen her collaborate with poets, filmmakers, and scientists to create works that explore themes such as the cosmos and the environment. These include the Hubble Cantata, which was the world's first communal virtual reality opera.

She also serves as the director of National Sawdust, a venue in Brooklyn. In addition, she is the founder of the Hildegard Commission, which supports emerging women and marginalized composers, and the Blueprint Fellowship at Juilliard, which matches emerging composers with mentors.

Prestini's works have been performed by ensembles including the New York Philharmonic, Minnesota Opera, Los Angeles Opera, San Diego Opera, The Barbican Centre, Bellas Artes, and at the Festival Dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy.

"The Artist-Manager relationship is built upon trust and respect," said Prestini of the agency. "Michael and Helen are not only among the best managers in the business, but they are also caring, kind and purposeful human beings. I'm honored to join this family of passionate artists, and to have Blu Ocean helping me to further my musical mission of impact, expansion, and inclusion."