Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1959 in Embleton, Cumbria

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Matthew Curtis is a contemporary classical music composer, arranger, and conductor. He was born on August 13, 1979, in the United States. Curtis grew up in a musical family, and his parents were both music educators. His father was a band director, and his mother was a choir director. Curtis started playing the piano at the age of five and began composing music when he was in high school. Curtis attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During his time at the University of Illinois, Curtis studied under the renowned choral conductor and composer, Fred Stoltzfus. After completing his studies, Curtis began his career as a choral conductor and composer. He has worked with numerous choirs and ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Curtis has also served as the director of choral activities at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Curtis is best known for his choral arrangements and compositions. He has arranged and composed music for a wide range of ensembles, from small chamber groups to large symphony orchestras. His works have been performed by choirs and orchestras around the world, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his compositions. One of Curtis's most famous works is his arrangement of the traditional hymn "Amazing Grace." His arrangement has been performed by countless choirs and has become a staple in the choral repertoire. Curtis's arrangement of "Amazing Grace" is known for its beautiful harmonies and lush orchestration. Another one of Curtis's notable works is his composition "The Road Home." The piece is a setting of a poem by Michael Dennis Browne and is scored for choir and orchestra. "The Road Home" has been performed by numerous choirs and orchestras and has received critical acclaim for its beautiful melodies and powerful emotional impact. Curtis's other notable works include his arrangement of the traditional spiritual "Deep River," his composition "Ave Maria," and his arrangement of the Christmas carol "O Holy Night." All of these works showcase Curtis's talent for creating beautiful melodies and harmonies that resonate with audiences. In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Curtis is also a respected conductor. He has conducted numerous choirs and orchestras, including the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus. Curtis is known for his ability to bring out the best in his performers and for his attention to detail in rehearsals. Curtis's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant. His compositions and arrangements have become staples in the choral repertoire, and his work as a conductor has inspired countless musicians. Curtis's dedication to his craft and his passion for music continue to inspire audiences around the world.

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