Hours of hard work come to life tonight in the sounds of a music professors newest pieces to be performed for the first time.

Brigham Young University’s School of Music will present associate professor and composer Neil Thornock in a free concert tonight at 7:30 in the Madsen Recital Hall. The recital will feature seven of Thornock’s pieces being performed for the first time.

“His music is post minimalist … very ecstatic and exciting to listen to,” said Christian Asplund, an assistant professor in the school of music. Asplund said his music invokes several emotions. “It carries you away, it’s like a roller coaster ride.”

Thornock began composing music at the age of 13. He started his study of music at BYU and later received a doctorate in composition from Indiana University in 2006. He worked as a visiting assistant professor at Southern Virginia University before he joined the BYU faculty in 2007. He continues to compose music and teaches courses in composition and theory.

“Learning music and preparing it for performance does get me into the pieces in a different way that helps me work out kinks,” Thornock said. Aside from that, Thornock said the concert is just for fun.

Thornock’s compositions have been featured in several venues, including NASA, Imagine 2, Eccles Organ Concert Series and San Diego State University. His music compositions for carillon have received several international awards.

 “I like trying to find new ways of expressing myself, my beliefs and the things I feel,” Thornock said about why he composes music.

Thornock hopes to include four organ pieces to be performed tonight on a future CD.

“I hope the audience comes with an open mind,” Thornock said. “I’m looking for an evening that will let the audience walk away feeling like they’re better for having heard the music."