Chris Prather (b. 1995) is an American composer, orchestrator, producer, and Recording Academy voting member whose work spans the concert hall, the opera stage, and the recording studio.

 

His original works have received world premieres by major ensembles across the country. His cello concerto The Ringing of the Bell (2026) was premiered by cellist Tess Remy-Schumacher and the University of Central Oklahoma Wind Symphony under the baton of Dr. Brian Lamb. The Hamby Special (2025) was commissioned and premiered by the Fort Smith Symphony under John Jeter. Hope on the Horizon (2024), a 20-minute work scored for wind symphony, electric guitar, bass, and drums, received its world premiere by the University of Central Oklahoma Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Brian Lamb. His opera No Justice, No Peace (2022),  written with librettists Megan Prather and Kenneth R. Woods, premiered with OKCityOpera to sold-out houses. Critics describe it as “complex, swirling, at times nearly inscrutable, but peppering moments of familiarity and cultural reference points throughout.” His music is published with C. Alan Publications, OU Percussion Press, and Alias Press. 

 

As an engraver, Prather worked on the Grammy-winning Alkebulan II (Matt B). As an orchestrator and arranger, he contributed to three Grammy-nominated projects: Impossible Dream (Aaron Lazar), Warriors of Light (Radhika Vekaria), and ALIKE - My Mother’s Dream (Allison Charney). 

 

Prather produced and composed his latest album Through Falling Rain (2026), a genre-crossing work blending classical, rock, and Latin influences.

 

Prather holds a Master of Music in Composition from Oklahoma City University and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Central Oklahoma.