B.E. Boykin

B.E. (Brittney Elizabeth) Boykin is a distinguished composer, conductor and pianist, renowned for her dynamic artistry and profound contributions to the world of music. As a composer with an evolving career with notable collaborations and commissions, Boykin’s music has been highlighted with performances at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.  
 
A proud alumna of Spelman College, Boykin first began honing her craft by pursuing a degree in piano performance and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She continued her academic journey at Westminster Choir College, where she received her Master’s of Music in Sacred Music, and later, earned her Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Music Education from Georgia State University.  
 
Boykin’s artistic influence has recently extended to the operatic stage, with a series of new commissions. Oshun, which premiered in 2023 with the American Opera Initiative with support from the Washington National Opera and Two Corners, which premiered in 2024 with Finger Lakes Opera, are her latest creations with Librettist, Jarrod Lee. These new operatic works have been celebrated for their poignant storytelling and cultural significance by exploring themes of social justice and the African American experience. To further her experimental and creative practice, in 2023 Boykin was invited by the Minnesota Opera to participate in a seven-year creative residency that supports the creation and premiering of new operatic works.  
 
In addition to her work in opera, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the choral world as a sought-after conductor and clinician who is celebrated for her unique artistic expressions and ability to connect with her ensembles. Her recent features include conducting the Atlanta Music Project Senior Youth Choir in a closing concert for the 2024 Chorus America Conference and leading them to emerge as the category winner at the 2024 World Choir Games, the largest international choral competition in the world. Beyond the concert stage and operas house, Boykin not only solidifies her reputation as a leader in choral music but demonstrates her deep passion and commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians through her community engagement.  
 
With a career characterized by artistic excellence, educational impact, and a deep commitment to cultural advocacy, she is honored to serve on the National Board for the National Collegiate Choral Organization. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Music at the Georgia Institute of Technology.