Role

:

Composer

 

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 the 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 finalist for the Juno Award for Classical Composition of the Year on multiple occasions. In addition to his work as a composer, Fitzell is also an educator. He has taught composition at the University of Manitoba, the University of Calgary, and the University of British Columbia. Fitzell has also served as the Composer-in-Residence for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Overall, Gordon Fitzell is a highly respected composer of contemporary classical music. His work is characterized by its use of electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as its incorporation of elements from various musical traditions. Fitzell's compositions often explore themes related to technology, nature, and the human experience. His contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

More....