Role

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Composer Conductor  

Birth

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1969 in Onalaska, WI

 

Todd Hammes is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of percussion. Born on August 22, 1971, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Todd Hammes grew up in a family that valued music. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a pianist. Todd's love for music began at a young age, and he started playing the drums when he was just six years old. Todd's passion for music continued to grow, and he went on to study percussion at the University of Iowa. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1993 and his Master of Music degree in 1995. During his time at the University of Iowa, Todd studied under the guidance of renowned percussionist Dan Moore. After completing his studies, Todd Hammes began his career as a professional musician. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent and was invited to perform with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the country. In 1996, Todd was appointed as the principal percussionist of the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for six years. Todd's career continued to flourish, and he went on to perform with many other orchestras, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with some of the most renowned conductors in the world, including Edo de Waart, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Leonard Slatkin. In addition to his work as a percussionist, Todd Hammes is also an accomplished composer. He has written several pieces for percussion, including "The Persistence of Memory," which was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra. His compositions have been performed by many orchestras and ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Todd Hammes has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1999, he was awarded the prestigious McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians. This fellowship is awarded to exceptional musicians who show promise in their field. In 2001, Todd was awarded the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award for his composition "The Persistence of Memory." One of the highlights of Todd Hammes' career was his performance at the 2002 Grammy Awards. He was invited to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which was nominated for Best Orchestral Performance. The orchestra performed a piece by composer John Adams, and Todd's percussion playing was a standout feature of the performance. Todd Hammes has also been involved in music education throughout his career. He has taught percussion at several universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Minnesota. He has also given masterclasses and workshops at many other institutions, including the Juilliard School and the Eastman School of Music. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Todd Hammes is also a dedicated advocate for new music. He has worked with many composers to premiere new works for percussion, and he has been involved in several commissioning projects. He is also a member of the percussion ensemble Clocks in Motion, which is dedicated to performing new music for percussion. Todd Hammes' contributions to the world of classical music have been significant. His exceptional talent as a percussionist and composer has earned him a place among the most respected musicians in the field.

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