Role

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Composer

Birth

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April 11, 1956 in Cleveland, OH

 

James Oliverio is a renowned American composer, conductor, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1954, in New York City, Oliverio grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. From a young age, Oliverio showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Oliverio's musical education began at the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied composition and piano. He later went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. During his time at the University of Michigan, Oliverio studied with renowned composers William Bolcom and Leslie Bassett. After completing his studies, Oliverio began his career as a composer and conductor. He has since become known for his innovative and eclectic style, which blends elements of classical, jazz, and world music. His works have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops. One of Oliverio's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1995. The symphony is a tribute to the city of Boston and its rich musical heritage. It features a variety of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and classical, and has been praised for its energy and vitality. Another of Oliverio's notable works is his Concerto for Jazz Guitar and Orchestra, which was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra in 2002. The concerto features the guitar as a solo instrument and blends elements of jazz and classical music. It has been performed by some of the world's leading guitarists, including John McLaughlin and Pat Metheny. In addition to his work as a composer, Oliverio is also a respected conductor and educator. He has served as the music director of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. He has also taught at a number of prestigious institutions, including the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan, and the University of South Carolina. Oliverio's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He has also been awarded the ASCAP Foundation's Leonard Bernstein Award and the American Composers Orchestra's Whitaker Commission. In conclusion, James Oliverio is a highly accomplished composer, conductor, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His innovative and eclectic style has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic composers of his generation. His works continue to be performed and celebrated by audiences around the world.

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