Bucks County composer David Serkin Ludwig is vacating his 20-year position at the Curtis Institute of Music to head to the Julliard School, reports Peter Dobrin for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

“I’ve loved my time at [Curtis] and feel like I’ve been able to get good work done with the students and be an advocate for new music and for the students as well,” Ludwig said. “But this is an opportunity to have a really big impact on the field and to make a difference.” 

Ludwig is a prolific composer. His works have been on the program of major orchestras and string ensembles across the U.S., including the Philadelphia Orchestra. He scored a 2014 feature film, Cymbeline, starring Ethan Hawke. 

Perhaps his most visible work came in 2013. The prayer service that preceded President Obama’s second swearing-in ceremony featured a Ludwig choral piece, “The New Colossus.” 

At Curtis, he filled various roles, including dean and professor of composition. His workload at Julliard will increase, given the greater number of students to serve. 

“Advocating for this music on this scale and this scope in New York with this school is incredibly appealing to me,” Ludwig said. 

More on the next career phase of this professional musician is at The Philadelphia Inquirer.