Neal is...

Neal Todten is a New Orleans based composer/artist working in abstract and experimental forms. His work takes deep inspiration from minimalism as well as his identity as a New Orleans artist.

He maintains a practice as a solo performer for electric organ and piano, as well as leading a minimalist performance ensemble including organs, saxophones, and mallet percussion.

In 2026 he was artist-in-residence at the New Marigny Theater in New Orleans, where he premiered and recorded a new concert work, Electric Blue Tears, for his performance ensemble.

Neal Todten works in multidisciplinary mediums as an extension of his musical efforts. He has presented works that include contemporary choreography, abstract text narrations, and sweeping painted backdrops.

In 2025 he and co-creator A. Hennen Payne premiered an official festival film selection at the Big Ears Festival where he presented House of Direction, a short film capturing his multidisciplinary work incorporating original music, choreography, and scenic design.

He continually presents original work in New Orleans as well as nationally, including the Satellite Art Fair in Miami and Church of Our Savior in NYC. Since 2018 he has independently produced and curated contemporary music concerts in New Orleans, giving local premiers to works such as Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians and Philip Glass’ Music With Changing Parts.

He has performed with Bread & Puppet Theater and worked with La Monte Young’s Dream House in NYC.

He holds a Bachelor’s in Music Composition from Cleveland State University and has studied internationally at Académie Internationale d'Été de Nice, with organist Paul Goussot, and at Princess Grace Academy in Monaco.