Role

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Composer Conductor  

Birth

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1982

 

Anthony Cheung is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on October 1, 1982, in San Francisco, California. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his mother being a pianist and his father a violinist. Cheung began playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the violin and the clarinet. Cheung attended Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at the Manhattan School of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition at Columbia University. Cheung's compositions are known for their intricate rhythms, complex harmonies, and use of extended techniques. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including literature, visual art, and nature. His works often explore the relationship between sound and space, and he has collaborated with architects and visual artists to create multimedia installations. One of Cheung's early works is his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 2005 while studying at Harvard. The piece is characterized by its use of microtonal intervals and unconventional playing techniques, such as bowing the strings with a credit card. The quartet was premiered by the Arditti Quartet and has since been performed by ensembles around the world. In 2009, Cheung composed his Piano Concerto, which was commissioned by the Fromm Music Foundation. The concerto features a solo piano part that is virtuosic and demanding, with rapid runs and intricate rhythms. The piece was premiered by pianist Steven Beck and the New York New Music Ensemble. Cheung's music has been performed by many prominent ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In 2015, he was named the Daniel R. Lewis Young Composer Fellow by the Cleveland Orchestra, which commissioned him to write a new work for its centennial season. One of Cheung's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 2016. The piece is scored for a large orchestra and features a wide range of textures and timbres. The symphony is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of sound and space. The work was premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Riccardo Muti. Cheung has also written several chamber works, including his Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano, which was commissioned by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The piece features intricate counterpoint and shifting harmonies, and has been performed by many chamber ensembles around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Cheung is also an educator. He has taught at Columbia University, the University of Chicago, and the University of California, Berkeley. He has also served as a guest lecturer and composer-in-residence at many institutions, including the Tanglewood Music Center and the Aspen Music Festival. Cheung has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Rome Prize, the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Guggenheim Fellowship. His music has been recorded on the Naxos, New Focus, and Bridge labels. In conclusion, Anthony Cheung is a contemporary classical music composer who has made significant contributions to the field of new music.

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