Rex Isenberg is a Los Angeles-based composer whose music has been described as “timeless” and “inviting” (Herald Times, IN). Many of Isenberg’s works touch upon the nature of human relationships from the personal to the societal throughout history and the present day. He is also devoted to expanding the catalog of Jewish liturgical music, with compositions that honor the spirit of the original text while offering renewed meaning for contemporary audiences.
Isenberg’s work has been performed throughout the U.S. and abroad by ensembles including JACK Quartet, NOTUS Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, NOW Ensemble, Young New Yorkers Chorus, Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, Choral Arts Initiative, The Esoterics, Angeles Chorale, Cecilia Chorus of New York, North Carolina Master Chorale, St. Olaf Cantorei, and Cantori New York. Isenberg was Composer-in-Residence for Choral Chameleon in 2016-17, and his oratorio Messiahs: False and True was recorded by Choral Chameleon on their debut album, Deus Ex Machina, in 2021, with Tony-nominated actor Paul Hecht as featured narrator. Previous performances of Messiahs: False and True have featured Tony-winning actor Stephen Spinella and Tony-nominated actor Kathleen Chalfant as narrators. Isenberg has been a fellow at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.
Isenberg holds a B.A. in Music from Yale University and Masters and Doctorate degrees in Composition from Manhattan School of Music. He studied composition with Richard Danielpour, Reiko Füting, Kathryn Alexander, Michael Klingbeil, and Missy Mazzoli.
While at Yale, Isenberg was a member of The Yale Whiffenpoofs, composing several arrangements which he performed with the group in 20 countries and 25 U.S. states, for audiences which included the U.S. Ambassadors to China, Lithuania, and Chile, the Consul General of Mexico, and President George W. Bush.
Born in Philadelphia, he lives in L.A. with his husband Matt. Select choral works are available through ECS Publishing.