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Paul de Benedictis was a classical music composer born on August 22, 1959, in San Francisco, California. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. From a young age, Paul showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Paul's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music seriously. He began taking piano lessons and soon started composing his own music. At the age of 12, he wrote his first piano concerto, which was performed by the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. After completing high school, Paul attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied composition with Elinor Armer and piano with Mack McCray. He also studied at the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he worked with renowned composers such as John Corigliano and George Crumb. In 1982, Paul received his Bachelor of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He then went on to earn his Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California, where he studied with Morten Lauridsen and Frederick Lesemann. Throughout his career, Paul has composed music for a wide range of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. His works have been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the San Francisco Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. One of Paul's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony and premiered in 1990. The symphony is a large-scale work in four movements and showcases Paul's skill as a composer of orchestral music. The work has been praised for its lush harmonies, intricate textures, and powerful emotional impact. Another significant work by Paul is his Piano Concerto No. 1, which was premiered by the San Francisco Symphony in 1986. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the solo piano, with fast-paced runs and intricate passagework. The work has been performed by numerous pianists around the world and is considered one of Paul's most popular compositions. In addition to his orchestral works, Paul has also composed a number of chamber music pieces. One of his most notable chamber works is his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered by the Alexander String Quartet in 1992. The quartet is a complex and challenging work that showcases Paul's skill as a composer of chamber music. Throughout his career, Paul has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions. In 1986, he was awarded the BMI Student Composer Award for his Piano Concerto No. 1. He has also received commissions from a number of prestigious organizations, including the San Francisco Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. In addition to his work as a composer, Paul has also been active as a teacher and mentor. He has taught composition and piano at a number of institutions, including the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the University of Southern California. He has also served as a mentor to numerous young composers, helping to guide them in their own creative endeavors. In conclusion, Paul de Benedictis is a highly accomplished composer of classical music, with a career spanning over three decades. His works have been performed by some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and ensembles, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions.

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