Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 8, 1962 in Phoenix, AZ

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Michael Abels is a contemporary classical music composer who has gained recognition for his unique style of blending classical music with elements of jazz, blues, and gospel. Born on November 8, 1962, in Phoenix, Arizona, Abels grew up in a family of musicians. His mother was a pianist, and his father was a jazz drummer. Abels started playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. Abels attended the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He later went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of California, Los Angeles. During his time at UCLA, Abels studied under renowned composers such as Paul Chihara and Ian Krouse. Abels' early works were heavily influenced by the classical music tradition, but he soon began to incorporate elements of jazz, blues, and gospel into his compositions. His breakthrough came in 1991 when he composed the score for the film "Nina Takes a Lover." The film's director, Alan Jacobs, was impressed with Abels' work and recommended him to other filmmakers. Abels went on to compose music for several films, including "Get Out," "Us," and "Bad Education." His music for "Get Out" earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for the World Soundtrack Award for Best Original Score. The score for "Us" was also well-received, with critics praising Abels' use of choral music and percussion. In addition to his work in film, Abels has composed several works for the concert stage. His most notable works include "Global Warming," a piece for orchestra and choir that explores the effects of climate change, and "Dance for Martin's Dream," a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. that features a mix of classical and gospel music. Abels' music is known for its use of unconventional instruments and vocal techniques. He often incorporates African percussion instruments such as djembes and congas into his compositions, and he has also experimented with vocal techniques such as throat singing and overtone singing. Abels' music has been performed by several prominent orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with several notable musicians, including jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and gospel singer Mavis Staples. In addition to his work as a composer, Abels is also an educator. He has taught composition at several universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California. Abels' music has been praised for its ability to bridge the gap between classical music and popular music. His unique style has earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative composers of his generation. With his continued success in both film and concert music, Abels is sure to remain a prominent figure in the world of classical music for years to come.

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