Marshall McDaniel grew up in a theater and built a life in sound.
A composer, cellist, and producer whose work bridges the gap between traditional concert halls and modern cinematic storytelling. From the stages of Germany to the studios of Los Angeles, Marshall crafts sonic worlds that move with the narrative.
Raised in Topanga, California, at the Theatricum Botanicum, Marshall was surrounded by Shakespeare, storytelling, and live performance from day one. He trained as a classical cellist in Germany, studying at conservatories in Trossingen, Mannheim, and Berlin, and performed with orchestras including the Nationaltheater Mannheim and Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz.
His shift into composition began with a commission from Yoel Gamzou that led to premieres across Europe—from chamber works to full orchestra. After earning his diploma from the UdK Berlin, he returned to Los Angeles, where he explored electronic music and scoring for film, television, and games on projects including The Red Road and Dishonored 2.
He serves as Music Director for the Theatricum Botanicum, having written music for dozens of productions, including multiple original musicals. He later returned to Germany as Music Director of the National Youth Ballet, creating original scores for choreographers including John Neumeier and Natalia Horecna.
Recent projects include Framework, a full-length dance piece co-written with his brother and commissioned by the Mozarteum Salzburg, and Man Making Machine for orchestra and electronics, which premiered at the Beethoven Festival in Bonn. His work on Der Sandmann was presented at Staatstheater Cottbus.
Career Milestones
Der Sandmann
Presentation at Staatstheater Cottbus, blending operatic tradition with contemporary soundscapes.
Framework Commission
Full-length dance piece commissioned by Mozarteum Salzburg, co-written with Kellen McDaniel.
Beethoven Festival Bonn
World premiere of "Man Making Machine" for orchestra and electronics.
Music Director, Theatricum Botanicum
Leading musical direction and composing original scores for dozens of theatrical productions.
Training & Select Credits
Education
UdK Berlin Diploma
Conservatories: Trossingen, Mannheim
Orchestras
Nationaltheater Mannheim
Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz
Commissions
Yoel Gamzou
Mozarteum Salzburg
Theatrical
National Youth Ballet Germany
Theatricum Botanicum
Media
The Red Road (Sundance)
Dishonored 2 (Bethesda)
Festivals
Beethoven Festival Bonn
Staatstheater Cottbus
But who am I really?
You have to listen.