ABOUT

Peter de Mets, Harmonic Settings of the Human Experience

Peter de Mets is a composer of choral, theatrical, and instrumental works, known for creating music that is both structurally elegant and emotionally resonant.

peter de mets music french horn
His compositions are shaped not only by musical craftsmanship, but by deep attention to the ensembles, stories, and spaces for which they are written.
He has been commissioned by a wide range of artistic and educational institutions, including Central Bucks High Schools West and East, Council Rock High School North, Pennsbury High School, Mercer Dance Ensemble, Mercer County Performing Arts High School, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. His work for the stage has been presented by George Street Playhouse, Passage Theatre Company, and Youth Stages, where he serves as composer-in-residence.

Peter is truly a gem of a musician and composer.

He cares about the depth, direction, and dynamics of each commission. His music is heartfelt, passionate, and accessible—and most critical to the process is his ease in collaboration.

— W. Edward McCall, Artistic Director, Cantus Novus

Renowned for Widely Performed “Blessings”

Among his most widely performed works, Blessings was composed in 2009 in collaboration with poet Mark A. Boyle.

The piece began as a gift for fellow composer James McCullough, whom they met at the National ACDA Conference in Oklahoma City.

After parting ways, James said, “My father always said, ‘Look for blessings every day.’ Today, you two are my blessings.”

Touched by the exchange, Peter and Mark created Blessings during their flight home—Mark wrote the poem midair; Peter set it to music shortly after. Though originally written for one person, the piece has since found life with choirs across the country, resonating with a message that “we can find blessings everywhere.”

Ingenuity and industry go hand-in-hand.

It does the heart good to see the ancient virtues of ingenuity and industry go hand-in-hand in a modern landscape. The cohabitation of human voice and handbells is especially fitting in de Mets’ blend of the old and the new.

— Stephen Hatfield, Composer and Clinician

peter de mets music heard in cathedrals

Compositions that Travel, Inspire, and Endure

Peter’s works have been heard in the National Cathedral, the National Basilica, the White House, and in concert halls across the United States and Canada.

His choral fanfare One World One Dream, commissioned by Council Rock High School North, premiered in Beijing as part of the 2008 Olympic celebrations and was later performed in London before the 2012 Games.

He was recently named an Outstanding Young Alumnus by his alma mater, Susquehanna University, and is currently composing a new opera, Katherine, based on the life of Katherine of Aragon.

Peter is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and a proud member of the American Composers Forum.

Whether composing for choirs, handbell ensembles, or instrumental groups, Peter creates work that is intentional, collaborative, and lasting—inviting musicians into music that is as meaningful to perform as it is to hear.

Ready? Let's Begin.

If you’re considering a commission, I’d love to hear your vision. Let’s explore what we might create together.
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