Kourtney Clay (b. 2001) is an African American composer and conductor based in Milan, Italy. His music is rooted in the classical tradition while drawing particular inspiration from the rich orchestral color of late Romanticism and the atmospheric sound worlds of Impressionism. His music often focuses on orchestral color and vocal writing, reflecting an interest in opera and the expressive possibilities of the orchestra and voice. His work frequently explores musical narrative while balancing clarity of structure with a sense of atmosphere and color.

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Clay studied Composition and Technology at Auburn University before moving to Italy, where he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Musicology at the University of Milan while also studying orchestral conducting at the Italian Conducting Academy.

His music has been performed by ensembles in the United States and Europe, including the Orchestra di Matera e della Basilicata, the Auburn University Symphony Orchestra, the University of Montevallo Brass Ensemble, the Archeia Orchestra in Turin, and the Hewitt-Trussville High School Wind Ensemble. Clay has also conducted performances of his own compositions, including the premiere of an original orchestral work at Auburn University.

Alongside his concert music, Clay composes for orchestra, voice, chamber ensemble, and screen, exploring the classical concert tradition and cinematic musical language.