Role

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Composer

Birth

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1960

 

Richard Burchard is a contemporary American composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on December 23, 1960, in Portland, Oregon, Burchard grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a pianist. Burchard started playing the piano at the age of five and began composing music when he was just eight years old. Burchard's early musical education was primarily focused on the piano, and he studied with several renowned teachers, including Sylvia Killman and Harold Gray. He also studied composition with Tomas Svoboda, a Czech-American composer, and music theorist. Burchard's early compositions were influenced by the works of classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. In 1982, Burchard received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Oregon, where he studied composition with Robert Kyr. He then went on to earn his Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California, where he studied with Morten Lauridsen, a prominent American composer. Burchard's compositions are known for their intricate harmonies, rich textures, and expressive melodies. His works often incorporate elements of traditional Western classical music, as well as influences from other musical traditions, such as jazz and world music. One of Burchard's most notable works is his Requiem, which was commissioned by the Oregon Bach Festival in 2007. The piece is a setting of the traditional Latin Mass for the Dead and features a full orchestra, choir, and soloists. The Requiem has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world, including the Oregon Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Another significant work by Burchard is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Oregon Symphony in 1999. The piece is a four-movement work that showcases Burchard's skill in orchestration and his ability to create complex musical structures. The Symphony has been performed by several orchestras, including the Oregon Symphony, the Seattle Symphony, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Burchard has also composed several works for choir, including his Magnificat, which was commissioned by the Los Angeles Master Chorale in 2003. The piece is a setting of the traditional Latin text of the Magnificat and features a choir and orchestra. Burchard's choral works are known for their lush harmonies and intricate counterpoint. In addition to his work as a composer, Burchard is also a respected music educator. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Oregon, the University of Southern California, and Loyola Marymount University. Burchard is known for his dedication to teaching and his ability to inspire his students to pursue their musical passions. Burchard's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2007, he was awarded the Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission by the American Choral Directors Association. In 2010, he was named the Composer of the Year by the Oregon Music Teachers Association. In conclusion, Richard Burchard is a talented and accomplished composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

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