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Composer

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Contemporary

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Chamber

 

 

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Nancy Bloomer Deussen is a renowned American composer of classical music. She was born on November 15, 1931, in San Francisco, California. Her parents were both musicians, and her father was a composer and conductor. Deussen grew up in a musical household and began playing the piano at a young age. She also learned to play the violin and the viola. Deussen attended San Francisco State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. She then went on to study composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she earned a Master of Music degree. Deussen also studied composition with Darius Milhaud at Mills College in Oakland, California. Deussen's early works were influenced by the music of Milhaud and other French composers. She also drew inspiration from the natural beauty of California, and many of her early works have titles that reflect this, such as "Sequoia Symphony" and "Pacific Images." Deussen's music has been performed by many orchestras and ensembles, including the San Francisco Symphony, the Oakland Symphony, and the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra. She has also written music for film and television, including the score for the documentary "The California Missions." One of Deussen's most famous works is her "American Hymn," which was commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony in 1983. The piece is a tribute to the American spirit and features a combination of traditional hymns and original music. It has been performed by many orchestras across the United States and has become a staple of the American classical music repertoire. Another notable work by Deussen is her "Concerto for Horn and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the Oakland Symphony in 1987. The piece features a solo horn and is known for its lyrical melodies and virtuosic horn writing. It has been performed by many horn players and orchestras around the world. Deussen's music is known for its accessibility and emotional depth. She often draws on personal experiences and emotions in her compositions, and her music is often described as "lyrical" and "expressive." Her works have been praised for their beauty and their ability to connect with audiences on a deep level. In addition to her work as a composer, Deussen has also been an advocate for women in music. She has served on the board of the International Alliance for Women in Music and has worked to promote the work of female composers. Deussen continues to compose music to this day, and her works are regularly performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world. She has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in 2018. In conclusion, Nancy Bloomer Deussen is a highly respected American composer of classical music. Her works are known for their beauty, emotional depth, and accessibility. She has been a champion for women in music and has made significant contributions to the classical music repertoire. Her legacy as a composer and advocate for women in music will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and composers.

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