Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1992 in Pittsburgh, PA

 

Molly Joyce is a contemporary classical music composer and performer based in Brooklyn, New York. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1992, Joyce began her musical journey at a young age, learning to play the piano and violin. She was drawn to classical music and began composing her own pieces as a teenager. Joyce attended the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. She then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at The Juilliard School in New York City. Joyce's music is characterized by its use of electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as her exploration of disability and the body in her compositions. She was born with a condition called hemiplegia, which affects the movement and control of one side of her body. This has influenced her approach to music-making, as she often incorporates her own physical movements and limitations into her compositions. One of Joyce's most notable works is her piece "Rave," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic for their 2019-2020 season. The piece features a soloist playing a custom-made instrument called the "joyboard," which Joyce designed herself. The joyboard is a MIDI controller that allows the performer to trigger different sounds and effects using their body movements. Another notable work by Joyce is her piece "Lean Back and Release," which was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra in 2018. The piece features a soloist playing a custom-made instrument called the "tilt harp," which Joyce designed in collaboration with harpist Bridget Kibbey. The tilt harp is a traditional harp that has been modified to allow the performer to tilt it in different directions, creating new sounds and effects. Joyce has also composed works for chamber ensembles, including her piece "Purity," which was commissioned by the New York Youth Symphony in 2017. The piece features a string quartet and electronics, and explores themes of purity and contamination. In addition to her work as a composer, Joyce is also an active performer. She has performed her own works at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Bang on a Can Marathon. She has also collaborated with other musicians and artists, including the dance company Gallim and the visual artist Rachel Rossin. Joyce has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including a Fulbright grant to study in Amsterdam and a residency at the MacDowell Colony. She has also been featured in publications such as The New York Times, NPR, and The Wall Street Journal. Overall, Molly Joyce is a unique and innovative voice in contemporary classical music. Her use of electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as her exploration of disability and the body in her compositions, sets her apart from other composers in the field. With her talent and creativity, she is sure to continue making an impact on the world of classical music for years to come.

More....