Samuel Ostroff

Samuel Ostroff’s compositions reflect a "sensitivity and lyricism beyond his years" (San Francisco Composer's Chamber Orchestra). Influenced by diverse musicians such as Joe Hisaishi, Maurice Ravel, and Brad Mehldau, his music incorporates elements of classical music, golden age film scores, and indie rock. 

An active composer of film and game music, Ostroff has written music for projects such as HBO's hit series "We're Here," "Poached" an Apple documentary directed by David Gelb (Chef's Table), and for the upcoming series "Swiping America" premiering on HBO in 2023. Other notable scores include "Breathe Peace World," a virtual reality experience that premiered at the United Nations General Assembly; "Vote For Home," an environmental documentary funded by Stanford University and Warner Music Group, featuring actress Taryn Manning ("Orange Is the New Black"); "Il Breakup," a stylized film that won Best Short at the 2018 Cinema Italian Style Festival in Los Angeles; and a series of national advertisements for Shutterfly, Inc.

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In December 2019, the classical ensemble yMusic (Classical Billboard #1 for 43 weeks) commissioned and premiered Ostroff's "Running Water Can See No Stars." The composer's other notable concert works include "Allegro for String Quartet" and "Two Landscapes" (winners of the U.S. National Foundation for the Arts' YoungArts competition); "Caro Son Tua Cosí" recorded by Hila Plitmann (GRAMMY Winner, Best Classical Vocal Performance); and "Patch:Channel," a work for string quartet, live electronics, and four ballet dancers performed at multiple venues across Los Angeles.

Ostroff studied at the University of Southern California, where he was mentored by composers Ted Hearne, Vince Mendoza, and Thomas Newman. When not writing music, Sam can be found hiking, surfing, and playing with his two dogs, Joy and Django.