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Gordon Fitzell is a Canadian composer of contemporary classical music. He was born on December 19, 1968, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Fitzell grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a singer. He began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and bass. Fitzell attended the University of Manitoba, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in guitar performance. He then went on to study composition at the University of Calgary, where he earned a Master of Music degree. Fitzell continued his studies at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition. Fitzell's music is characterized by its use of electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as its incorporation of elements from various musical traditions. His compositions often explore themes related to technology, nature, and human experience. One of Fitzell's most notable works is his 2006 composition, "Field Notes." The piece was commissioned by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and is inspired by the natural landscapes of Manitoba. "Field Notes" features a combination of acoustic and electronic instruments, including a solo violin, a string orchestra, and a computer-generated soundscape. Another notable work by Fitzell is his 2012 composition, "Beethoven's Wig." The piece was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and is a tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven. "Beethoven's Wig" features a combination of acoustic and electronic instruments, as well as a choir and a narrator who recites text from Beethoven's letters. Fitzell has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer. In 2002, he was awarded the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music for his composition, "Unseen Rain." In 2010, he was awarded the Western Canadian Music Award for Classical Composition of the Year for his composition, "Still." Fitzell has also been a recipient of grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Manitoba Arts Council. In addition to his work as a composer, Fitzell is also an educator. He has taught composition at the University of Manitoba and the University of Calgary, and currently serves as the Director of the School of Music at the University of Manitoba. Overall, Gordon Fitzell is a highly respected composer of contemporary classical music. His work is characterized by its innovative use of electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as its exploration of themes related to technology, nature, and human experience. Fitzell's contributions to the world of classical music have earned him numerous awards and honors, and his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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