Smithsonian's 21st Century Consort announces Mikhail Johnson as Composer-in-Residence

For immediate release, September 14, 2026

Please contact Terri Cigan at terri21cc@gmail.com

The Smithsonian Institution’s 21st Century Consort is pleased to announce Mikhail Johnson as Composer in Residence

(Washington, D.C.) -- The 21st Century Consort is very pleased to announce the Jamaican pianist-composer Mikhail Johnson as Composer-in-Residence for the 2026/27 season. This is the first appointment of its kind in the ensemble’s 52-year history. Thanks to the generous support of the Paul Angell Foundation, Mikhail will bring great expertise as composer, pianist, curator, consultant, educator and creative architect to collaborate with the Consort across several projects.

Mikhail’s position commences with a performance of his solo piano work Wach ya HAYDN?! on October 3 and 4, and his appearance as guest pianist in Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians on December 5. Following this, the composer is at work on a new commission to be premiered on April 10 and 11 of 2027 at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, where the 21st Century Consort is New Music Ensemble-in-Residence.

Mikhail’s commitment to fostering and inspiring the next generation of creative talent will be highlighted with upcoming work to expand the Consort’s Mighty Young Composers education program, mentorship of composition students at the Levine School, and exploring the connection between music and architecture with students and faculty as Consort composer-liaison at Howard University.

The residency emphasizes the Consort’s mission to explore the intersection of music and visual art in programs designed to respond to museum exhibitions, and to lead in championing music by living composers, particularly in the Americas, women, and composers of color.

Performances of Mikhail’s work with the 21st Century Consort can be found here.