Michael Kaulkin is active as a composer and teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area. His choral, orchestral and chamber works have been performed around the world, and his music has been described as “exceptionally beautiful on all counts.”
What’s New
String Quartet No. 1 (“City Walks”) was recorded in July 2025 by the Juventas New Music Ensemble for release on a forthcoming Navona Records compilation, scheduled for spring 2026. A finalist for The American Prize, the piece will also be featured on an album release concert presented by Juventas in Cambridge, MA on May 2, 2026.
Choral Highlights
Tumbalalayka – (SATB, unaccompanied)
This arrangement of the beloved Yiddish folksong features playful, unaccompanied vocal effects that imitate the balalayka, a guitar-like Russian folk instrument. It has been performed around the world by choruses of all sizes and types.
Neapolitan Carol – (SATB and piano)
This SATB + piano setting of a traditional Neapolitan Carol was written for the San Francisco Bach Choir. Sung here in the original language, it also includes an optional English text by the composer.
Redbirds – (2 equal voices and piano)
“Redbirds” was premiered by the national children’s honor choir at the OAKE national conference in 2022. It is published by Colla Voce as part of the Ruth Dwyer Choral Series. The poem, by Sara Teasdale, evokes nature and longing for the past.
Explore more choral music:
SATB • Treble Voices • Extended Works
Recent and Upcoming Performances
for clarinet and piano