Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

1977

 

Mason Bates is a contemporary American composer who has gained widespread recognition for his innovative and eclectic approach to classical music. Born in 1977 in Richmond, Virginia, Bates grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied composition at the Juilliard School and the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his PhD in 2008. Bates' music is characterized by its fusion of classical and electronic elements, as well as its incorporation of sounds and rhythms from a variety of musical genres, including jazz, rock, and techno. His compositions often feature live performers alongside pre-recorded electronic tracks, creating a unique and immersive sonic experience. One of Bates' most notable works is his 2011 symphony "Alternative Energy," which was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and premiered to critical acclaim. The piece is divided into five movements, each of which is inspired by a different form of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal power. The music incorporates a wide range of instruments and sounds, including electric guitar, synthesizers, and recorded samples of wind turbines and other environmental sounds. Another of Bates' notable works is his 2014 opera "The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs," which tells the story of the late Apple co-founder through a series of vignettes that explore his personal and professional life. The opera features a libretto by Mark Campbell and was commissioned by the Santa Fe Opera. It has since been performed at several other major opera houses, including the Seattle Opera and the San Francisco Opera. In addition to his work as a composer, Bates is also an accomplished DJ and electronic musician. He has performed at major music festivals and clubs around the world, and has collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists. His DJ sets often incorporate his own compositions, as well as remixes of classical and popular music. Bates has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Rome Prize, and a Grammy nomination for his 2015 album "Anthology of Fantastic Zoology." He has also been named the composer-in-residence at several major orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Overall, Mason Bates is a highly innovative and versatile composer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His unique blend of classical and electronic elements, as well as his incorporation of diverse musical influences, has helped to expand the boundaries of the genre and attract new audiences to the art form.

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