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Composer

 

Robin Estrada was born on May 12, 1985, in Manila, Philippines. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a pianist and his mother a singer. From a young age, Estrada showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He was also exposed to classical music at an early age, which would later become his primary focus as a composer. Estrada attended the University of the Philippines, where he studied composition under the guidance of Dr. Jonas Baes. During his time at the university, he composed several works that would later become some of his most notable pieces. One of these works was his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in 2008. The symphony was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it established Estrada as a promising young composer. After completing his studies at the University of the Philippines, Estrada went on to pursue a master's degree in composition at the University of Michigan. While there, he continued to compose and refine his style, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including the music of Bach, Beethoven, and Stravinsky. One of Estrada's most significant works from this period was his Piano Concerto No. 1, which was premiered by the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra in 2011. The concerto showcased Estrada's virtuosic piano writing and his ability to blend traditional classical forms with contemporary harmonies and rhythms. After completing his master's degree, Estrada returned to the Philippines, where he continued to compose and teach. He became a faculty member at the University of the Philippines, where he taught composition and music theory. He also continued to compose, with many of his works being commissioned and performed by leading orchestras and ensembles in the Philippines and abroad. One of Estrada's most notable works from this period was his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered by the Manila Symphony Orchestra in 2015. The symphony was inspired by the natural beauty of the Philippines and featured lush orchestration and sweeping melodies. It was hailed as a masterpiece by critics and audiences alike and cemented Estrada's reputation as one of the leading composers of his generation. In addition to his orchestral works, Estrada also composed chamber music, choral music, and solo piano pieces. One of his most popular works in this vein was his Sonata for Violin and Piano, which was premiered by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in 2013. The sonata showcased Estrada's ability to write for smaller ensembles and highlighted his gift for creating memorable melodies and harmonies. Throughout his career, Estrada has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. In 2012, he was awarded the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining for Music, one of the highest honors for artists in the Philippines. He has also been a finalist in several international composition competitions, including the Toru Takemitsu Composition Award and the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award. Today, Estrada continues to compose and teach, with a focus on promoting classical music in the Philippines and beyond. His works are performed regularly by leading orchestras and ensembles, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important composers of his generation.

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