Welcoming Nick Britell ’96 Back to Campus: A Reflection on Growth and Creativity
This past week, we had the privilege of welcoming back Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated composer Nicholas Britell ’96 to accept the Alumni Award, an honor that celebrates the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world. Watching Nicholas speak to our Middle and Upper School students, faculty, staff, and alumni about his journey as a composer and creative artist was deeply inspiring.
Alumni Award Presentation Honored Nicholas Britell ’96
Earlier this week, the Middle and Upper School communities gathered in the auditorium to celebrate Nicholas Britell ’96, the recipient of the school's Alumni Award. Alumni and additional members of the community also joined via livestream.
“The Alumni Award is presented annually to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world,” explained Head of School Aaron Cooper. “Nicholas exemplifies these qualities through his remarkable achievements as a composer, whose innovative scores have shaped some of the most critically acclaimed films and television shows of the past decade. We congratulate Nicholas on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for returning to share his journey and creative insights with our community. His story serves as a testament to the enduring values of courage, confidence, and creativity nurtured at New Canaan Country School.”
In her introduction, NCCS staff member Pat Oakes shared warm recollections of Nicholas’s years as a student and his close friendship with her daughter, Lauren.
During the presentation, Nicholas offered a captivating look into his creative process, illustrating how he scores scenes from acclaimed projects like Succession, Moonlight, and Cruella. He explored the emotional and technical dimensions of his work and thoughtfully answered questions from the audience about his journey following his time at New Canaan Country School.
A graduate of Hopkins School, Juilliard’s Pre-College Division, and Harvard University, Nicholas has gained international acclaim for his ability to blend classical and modern genres, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and an Emmy Award for his work. His achievements in film and television music continue to inspire audiences and highlight the transformative power of storytelling through sound.
For those who missed the live event, a recording of the presentation is available to view here.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
