Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

July 13, 1958 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

July 25, 2018 in New York City, NY

 

Glen Roven is a renowned American composer, conductor, and producer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on September 13, 1958, in New York City, to a family of musicians. His father, Julius Roven, was a pianist and composer, while his mother, Shirley Roven, was a singer and actress. Glen Roven grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at the age of three. Roven's musical talent was evident from an early age, and he began composing music when he was just six years old. He studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He also studied conducting with Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa. Roven's early compositions were influenced by the works of classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. However, he soon developed his own unique style, which blended classical music with elements of pop, jazz, and musical theater. His music is known for its melodic beauty, emotional depth, and technical virtuosity. One of Roven's early successes was his opera "The Sandman," which premiered at the Juilliard School in 1979. The opera, based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, tells the tale of a young boy who is visited by the Sandman, a mythical creature who brings dreams and nightmares. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it helped establish Roven as a rising star in the world of classical music. In the 1980s, Roven began working as a conductor and producer, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music industry. He conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. He also produced albums for artists such as Plácido Domingo, Jessye Norman, and Kathleen Battle. Roven's most famous work is his oratorio "The Runaway Bunny," which is based on the beloved children's book by Margaret Wise Brown. The oratorio, which premiered in 1992, tells the story of a young bunny who runs away from home and his mother's efforts to find him. The music is lush and lyrical, with soaring melodies and intricate harmonies. The oratorio has been performed by orchestras and choirs around the world and has become a beloved classic of the classical music repertoire. In addition to his classical compositions, Roven has also written music for film and television. He has composed scores for movies such as "The Muppets Take Manhattan," "The First Wives Club," and "The Five Heartbeats." He has also written music for television shows such as "The Wonder Pets" and "Sesame Street." Roven has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. He has won four Emmy Awards for his work in television, as well as a Grammy Award for his album "The Runaway Bunny." He has also been honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Endowment for the Arts. Despite his many accomplishments, Roven remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to compose music and conduct orchestras around the world, always striving to create music that is beautiful, meaningful, and accessible to all. His legacy as a composer, conductor, and producer is secure, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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