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Composer

 

Cristina Spinei is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1984. She grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a pianist and her father a guitarist. Spinei began playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the violin and guitar as well. Spinei attended Vanderbilt University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. She then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the Manhattan School of Music. During her time in New York City, Spinei studied with renowned composers such as Richard Danielpour and Aaron Jay Kernis. Spinei's music is known for its unique blend of classical and popular music styles. She often incorporates elements of rock, jazz, and electronic music into her compositions, creating a sound that is both contemporary and accessible. Her music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Nashville Symphony, the New York Youth Symphony, and the American Composers Orchestra. One of Spinei's most notable works is her ballet score for "The Widow's Broom," which was commissioned by the Nashville Ballet in 2014. The ballet is based on the children's book by Chris Van Allsburg and tells the story of a witch who befriends a lonely widow. Spinei's score for the ballet is a lively and whimsical mix of classical and folk music styles, perfectly capturing the playful spirit of the story. Another highlight of Spinei's career is her work with the contemporary classical ensemble Eighth Blackbird. In 2016, she was commissioned by the ensemble to write a piece for their Hand Eye album. The resulting work, "Music for Ensemble and Orchestra," is a dynamic and energetic piece that showcases Spinei's talent for blending different musical styles. Spinei has also written several works for solo instruments, including "Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra" and "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra." These pieces demonstrate her ability to write music that is both technically challenging and emotionally engaging. In addition to her work as a composer, Spinei is also an active educator. She has taught composition at Vanderbilt University and the Blair School of Music, and has given masterclasses and workshops at schools and universities around the country. Overall, Cristina Spinei is a talented and versatile composer whose music is both innovative and accessible. Her unique blend of classical and popular music styles has earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting young composers working today.

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