David Lang is a renowned American composer, performer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on January 8, 1957, in Los Angeles, California, Lang grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a composer, and his mother was a pianist. Lang started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and percussion instruments. Lang attended Stanford University, where he studied composition with William Bolcom and John Chowning. He later earned a Ph.D. in music composition from the University of Iowa, where he studied with William Hibbard and Richard Hervig. During his studies, Lang was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and rock music. In 1980, Lang co-founded the music ensemble Bang on a Can with fellow composers Michael Gordon and Julia Wolfe. The group was formed with the aim of promoting contemporary classical music and has since become one of the most influential new music ensembles in the world. Lang has been a member of the ensemble since its inception and has contributed numerous compositions to its repertoire. Lang's music is known for its minimalist style, which is characterized by repetitive patterns and simple harmonies. His compositions often explore themes of loss, memory, and the human condition. Some of his most notable works include "The Little Match Girl Passion," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2008, and "The Difficulty of Crossing a Field," which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet. Lang has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, he has been awarded the Rome Prize, the Guggenheim Fellowship, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Music. He has also been commissioned by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Lang is also an accomplished educator and has taught at a number of prestigious institutions, including Yale University, Princeton University, and the University of Southern California. He has also served as a guest lecturer and composer-in-residence at universities and music festivals around the world. In addition to his work as a composer and educator, Lang is also an active performer. He has collaborated with a number of musicians and ensembles, including the Kronos Quartet, the Bang on a Can All-Stars, and the cellist Maya Beiser. He has also performed his own compositions on various instruments, including the guitar, percussion, and piano. Lang's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant, and his minimalist style has influenced a generation of composers. His music is known for its emotional depth and its ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. As Lang continues to compose, perform, and teach, his impact on the world of classical music is sure to endure.

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