Role

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Composer  

Birth

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June 12, 1982 in Rochester, NY

Period

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Contemporary

 

 

Modern

 

Carson Cooman is a prolific American composer, organist, and writer on music. He was born on June 12, 1982, in Rochester, New York, and grew up in nearby Brockport. Cooman began playing the piano at the age of four and started composing music at the age of six. He was also interested in the organ and began playing it at the age of ten. Cooman's musical education began at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, where he studied composition with David Liptak and organ with William Porter. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the school in 2004. Cooman then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where he studied with Leonardo Balada. He also holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from the University of Kansas, where he studied with Kip Haaheim. Cooman's music is characterized by its diversity of styles and influences. He has written works in a variety of genres, including orchestral, chamber, choral, vocal, and organ music. His compositions often incorporate elements of traditional tonality, as well as more experimental techniques. Cooman's music has been performed by numerous ensembles and soloists around the world, including the American Composers Orchestra, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and the BBC Concert Orchestra. One of Cooman's most notable works is his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and premiered in 2007. The symphony is in four movements and features a variety of textures and moods. The first movement is marked by its rhythmic energy and driving pulse, while the second movement is more introspective and contemplative. The third movement is a lively scherzo, and the final movement is a triumphant and exuberant finale. Another significant work by Cooman is his organ concerto, which was commissioned by the Harvard University Organ Society and premiered in 2010. The concerto is in three movements and features virtuosic writing for the solo organ. The first movement is marked by its rhythmic vitality and syncopated rhythms, while the second movement is a lyrical and expressive adagio. The final movement is a lively and energetic toccata. Cooman has also written a significant amount of choral music, including his Requiem for the Living, which was commissioned by the Harvard University Choir and premiered in 2005. The work is a setting of the traditional Latin requiem text, but also includes additional texts in English. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive melodies, and the work has been widely performed by choirs around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Cooman is also an accomplished organist. He has performed recitals throughout the United States and Europe, and has recorded several CDs of organ music. Cooman is particularly interested in contemporary organ music, and has premiered numerous works by other composers. Cooman is also a prolific writer on music, and has written articles and reviews for a variety of publications, including Fanfare Magazine and The American Organist. He is also the editor of the Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians. Overall, Carson Cooman is a versatile and accomplished musician whose work has been widely performed and recognized.

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