Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

1972 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Emily Doolittle is a Canadian composer who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1972, Doolittle grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a pianist and her father was a composer, so it was only natural that she would be drawn to music from a young age. Doolittle began her musical education at the age of five, when she started taking piano lessons. She quickly showed a talent for the instrument and began performing in public at the age of seven. As she grew older, she became interested in other instruments as well, and began playing the flute and the guitar. After completing high school, Doolittle went on to study music at Dalhousie University in Halifax. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition in 1994, and then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at Indiana University in Bloomington. While at Indiana, Doolittle studied with some of the most respected composers in the field, including Claude Baker and Don Freund. After completing her studies, Doolittle moved to Scotland, where she began to establish herself as a composer. She was awarded a PhD in composition from the University of Glasgow in 2008, and has since gone on to receive numerous awards and commissions for her work. Doolittle's music is known for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements. She draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including nature, literature, and folk music. Her compositions often feature unusual instrumentation and incorporate elements of improvisation and experimentation. One of Doolittle's most notable works is her piece "Social Sounds from Whales at Night," which was commissioned by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 2010. The piece is based on recordings of humpback whales singing in the waters off the coast of British Columbia. Doolittle used these recordings as the basis for her composition, creating a haunting and evocative piece that captures the beauty and mystery of these majestic creatures. Another notable work by Doolittle is her piece "Falling Still," which was commissioned by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in 2012. The piece is based on the idea of falling, and incorporates elements of Scottish folk music and traditional classical music. The result is a piece that is both playful and contemplative, and showcases Doolittle's unique approach to composition. In addition to her work as a composer, Doolittle is also an accomplished educator. She has taught at a number of universities and conservatories, including the University of Aberdeen and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She is known for her innovative teaching methods, which emphasize creativity and experimentation. Overall, Emily Doolittle is a composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her unique approach to composition, which blends traditional and contemporary elements, has earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative composers working today. With a growing body of work and a commitment to education, Doolittle is sure to continue making an impact on the world of music for years to come.

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