Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 7, 1936 in Berkeley, CA

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

Stuart Dempster is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music through his unique approach to performance and composition. Born on July 7, 1936, in Berkeley, California, Dempster grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a composer and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music from an early age. Dempster began his musical journey by learning to play the trombone in high school. He went on to study music at San Francisco State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958. He then pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree in music at Mills College, where he studied with renowned composers such as Darius Milhaud and Luciano Berio. After completing his studies, Dempster began his career as a professional musician, performing with various orchestras and ensembles. He also began to explore new ways of creating music, experimenting with different techniques and instruments. One of his most notable innovations was the development of the trombone choir, which he founded in 1968. The group consisted of multiple trombone players who performed together, creating a unique and powerful sound. Throughout his career, Dempster has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with many other musicians and artists, including John Cage, Merce Cunningham, and Pauline Oliveros. In addition to his performances, Dempster has also received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1992, he was awarded the John Cage Award for Music, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of experimental music. He has also been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rockefeller Foundation. One of Dempster's most notable works is his composition "In the Great Abbey of Clement VI," which was commissioned by the Festival d'Avignon in 1978. The piece was performed in the courtyard of the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, France, and featured Dempster playing the trombone in a large, resonant space. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Dempster as a leading figure in the world of experimental music. Another notable work by Dempster is his album "Underground Overlays from the Cistern Chapel," which was released in 1980. The album features Dempster playing the trombone in an underground cistern in Fort Worden, Washington. The unique acoustics of the space created a haunting and otherworldly sound, which was captured on the album. The album was a critical success and helped to establish Dempster as a pioneer in the field of site-specific music. Throughout his career, Dempster has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in music, exploring new techniques and approaches to performance and composition. His work has inspired countless musicians and artists, and his legacy continues to influence the world of music today.

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