Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

Jeff Manookian is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on August 22, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a professional violinist and his mother a pianist. From a young age, Manookian showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Manookian's musical education began at the University of Utah, where he studied piano and composition. He later went on to earn a Master's degree in composition from the University of Southern California. During his time at USC, Manookian studied under some of the most renowned composers of the time, including Morten Lauridsen and Frederick Lesemann. Manookian's early compositions were heavily influenced by the works of classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. However, as he continued to develop his own style, he began to incorporate elements of jazz and other contemporary genres into his music. One of Manookian's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Utah Symphony Orchestra in 1995. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Manookian's ability to blend traditional classical elements with modern influences. The piece has been performed by orchestras around the world, including the Moscow Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. In addition to his symphonic works, Manookian has also composed numerous chamber music pieces, including his String Quartet No. 1 and his Sonata for Violin and Piano. These works have been performed by some of the most renowned chamber ensembles in the world, including the Emerson String Quartet and the Tokyo String Quartet. Manookian's music has been praised for its emotional depth and technical virtuosity. His compositions often explore themes of love, loss, and the human experience, and are known for their intricate harmonies and lush orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Manookian is also an accomplished pianist and conductor. He has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Utah Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has also conducted orchestras around the world, including the Moscow Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Manookian's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2010, he was awarded the Governor's Mansion Artist Award by the state of Utah, and in 2012, he was inducted into the Utah Music Hall of Fame. Today, Manookian continues to compose and perform music, and his works are regularly performed by orchestras and chamber ensembles around the world. His contributions to the world of classical music have cemented his place as one of the most important composers of his generation.

More....