Role

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Composer  

Birth

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June 19, 1968 in Binghamton, NY

 

John Hollenbeck is a renowned American composer, percussionist, and bandleader who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on September 8, 1968, in Binghamton, New York, Hollenbeck grew up in a musical family and started playing the drums at a young age. He attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied percussion and composition. Hollenbeck's career as a musician began in the 1990s when he moved to New York City and started performing with various jazz and experimental music groups. He quickly gained recognition for his innovative approach to percussion and his ability to blend different musical styles and genres. In 1998, he formed the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, a 20-piece jazz orchestra that has become one of the most acclaimed and influential groups in contemporary jazz. Over the years, Hollenbeck has collaborated with many notable musicians and artists, including Meredith Monk, Bob Brookmeyer, and Theo Bleckmann. He has also composed music for dance, theater, and film, and his works have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world. One of Hollenbeck's most significant achievements was the release of his album "Eternal Interlude" in 2002. The album, which features his Large Ensemble, received critical acclaim and was named one of the top ten jazz albums of the year by The New York Times. It showcased Hollenbeck's unique style of composition, which combines elements of jazz, classical music, and avant-garde experimentation. In 2005, Hollenbeck was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to further develop his musical ideas and explore new directions in his work. He used the fellowship to create a new piece called "A Blessing," which was premiered by the Frankfurt Radio Big Band in 2007. Hollenbeck's music has been performed at many prestigious venues and festivals, including the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Newport Jazz Festival. He has also been commissioned to create works for the American Composers Orchestra, the Bang on a Can All-Stars, and the Frankfurt Radio Big Band, among others. In 2013, Hollenbeck released his album "Songs I Like a Lot," which features his interpretations of songs by artists such as Jimmy Webb, ABBA, and Queen. The album received widespread critical acclaim and showcased Hollenbeck's versatility as a musician and arranger. In addition to his work as a composer and bandleader, Hollenbeck is also a respected educator. He has taught at the Eastman School of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Jazz Institute Berlin, among other institutions. He has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Hollenbeck's contributions to the world of contemporary classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Guggenheim Fellowship, he has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Chamber Music America New Jazz Works program, and the American Music Center. He has also been named a Rising Star Composer by DownBeat magazine and a Jazz Artist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. In conclusion, John Hollenbeck is a highly accomplished and influential musician who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music.

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