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Composer

 

Evan Chambers was an American composer of classical music, born on December 11, 1963, in Lansing, Michigan. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a singer. Chambers began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and guitar. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and a Master of Music degree in composition and trumpet performance. Chambers' early compositions were influenced by jazz and rock music, but he later turned to classical music. He studied with composers William Bolcom and Leslie Bassett, both of whom had a significant impact on his musical style. Chambers' music is characterized by its use of unconventional harmonies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of elements from various musical genres. One of Chambers' most notable works is his opera, "The Old Burying Ground," which premiered in 2000. The opera tells the story of a small New England town and its inhabitants, focusing on the lives of three women who are buried in the town's cemetery. The opera features a chamber orchestra and a small cast of singers, and its music is a blend of classical, folk, and jazz styles. Another significant work by Chambers is his "Symphony No. 1," which was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2005. The symphony is a four-movement work that explores the theme of transformation, with each movement representing a different stage of transformation. The symphony features a large orchestra and incorporates elements of jazz and rock music. Chambers' other notable works include his "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2010, and his "String Quartet No. 2," which was commissioned by the Lark Quartet and premiered in 2007. The concerto is a three-movement work that showcases the virtuosity of the violin, while the string quartet is a four-movement work that explores the theme of memory. Chambers was also a professor of composition at the University of Michigan, where he taught for over 20 years. He was a beloved teacher and mentor to many young composers, and his influence can be seen in the work of his students. Tragically, Evan Chambers passed away on December 2, 2013, at the age of 49. His death was a great loss to the world of classical music, but his legacy lives on through his music and the many composers he inspired. Chambers' music continues to be performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world, and his contributions to the world of classical music will not be forgotten.

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