MS SR15

Mississippi Senate recognizes Heather Christian of Natchez as the 2026 Governor's Arts Award recipient for Excellence in Music Composition, with the ceremony scheduled for February 12, 2026, at The Westin Jackson

Christian is a Drama Desk and two-time Obie Award-winning composer, playwright, and performer who received a 2025 MacArthur Fellowship ("Genius Grant"), along with the 2021 Richard Rodgers Award and 2022 Stephen Schwartz Outstanding New Composer Award

Her notable works include "Oratorio for Living Things," "Animal Wisdom," and the world premiere musical adaptation of "A Wrinkle in Time" at Arena Stage in summer 2025

Film and television composition credits include "The Craft: Legacy" (Sony/Blumhouse), "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" (BBC/Netflix), and animated series for Adult Swim

Christian has released 11 records, taught vocal-based music composition at NYU and Princeton, and currently serves as artist in residence at NYC's Signature Theatre