Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

September 20, 1951 in Mankato, MN

 

Rinde Eckert is a renowned American composer, performer, writer, and director who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on February 22, 1951, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Eckert grew up in a family of musicians and artists. His father was a professor of music at the University of Michigan, and his mother was a painter. From a young age, Eckert was exposed to various forms of art, including music, theater, and visual arts, which influenced his creative pursuits. Eckert began his musical journey by learning to play the piano and the trumpet. He later studied music composition at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1973. After completing his undergraduate studies, Eckert moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He continued his education at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree in 1976. Throughout his career, Eckert has been recognized for his innovative approach to music composition and performance. He has received numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, and a United States Artists Fellowship. In 2011, he was awarded an Obie Award for his performance in the play "An Idiot Divine." Eckert's music is characterized by its eclectic style, which draws on a wide range of influences, including classical music, jazz, and folk music. He is known for his use of unconventional instruments, such as the accordion, the banjo, and the saw, which add a unique texture to his compositions. His music often incorporates spoken word and theatrical elements, blurring the boundaries between music and theater. One of Eckert's most notable works is the opera "And God Created Great Whales," which he wrote and performed in 2000. The opera tells the story of a composer who is struggling to complete his final work before he loses his hearing. The piece features a combination of live music, recorded sound, and spoken word, and has been praised for its innovative approach to opera. Eckert has also collaborated with a number of other artists throughout his career. He has worked with the Kronos Quartet, the Paul Dresher Ensemble, and the Bang on a Can All-Stars, among others. He has also collaborated with the director Robert Woodruff on a number of theater productions, including "The Idiot" and "The Fall of the House of Usher." In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Eckert is also an accomplished writer and director. He has written several plays, including "Horizon," "Orpheus X," and "The Last Days of the Old Wild Boy," which have been performed at theaters across the country. He has also directed a number of productions, including "The Sound and the Fury" and "The Scarlet Letter." Eckert's contributions to the world of classical music have been widely recognized and celebrated. His innovative approach to music composition and performance has inspired countless artists and audiences alike. He continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in music and theater, and his work remains a testament to the power of creativity and imagination.

More....