Role

:

Composer  

Birth

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August 29, 1960 in Chicago, IL

 

William Susman is a contemporary American composer known for his unique blend of classical and popular music styles. Born on October 16, 1960, in New York City, Susman grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Susman began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Susman attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied composition with John Corigliano and David Del Tredici. He also studied at the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he worked with composers such as George Crumb and Bernard Rands. After completing his studies, Susman began his career as a composer, creating works that blended classical and popular music styles. One of Susman's early works was a piece called "Camille," which was inspired by the life of the French artist Camille Claudel. The piece was written for piano and string quartet and premiered in 1987. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it helped establish Susman as a rising star in the world of contemporary classical music. In the years that followed, Susman continued to create works that blended classical and popular music styles. One of his most notable works is a piece called "Quiet Rhythms," which was written for piano and string quartet. The piece features a blend of classical and jazz influences and has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world. Another notable work by Susman is a piece called "The Passion of St. Thomas More," which was written for choir and orchestra. The piece is based on the life of the English lawyer and statesman Thomas More, who was executed for refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England. The piece features a blend of classical and folk music styles and has been performed by choirs and orchestras around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Susman is also a respected educator. He has taught at numerous institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the University of Miami. He has also served as a guest lecturer and composer-in-residence at various universities and music festivals. Throughout his career, Susman has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer. In 2014, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which is one of the most prestigious awards in the arts. He has also received awards from organizations such as ASCAP and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Today, Susman continues to create works that blend classical and popular music styles. His music has been performed by some of the world's leading ensembles and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. He remains a respected figure in the world of contemporary classical music and continues to inspire a new generation of composers and musicians.

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