Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

1980 in Newark, NJ

 

Tyshawn Sorey is a contemporary classical music composer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator. He was born on July 8, 1980, in Newark, New Jersey, to a family of musicians. His father was a gospel singer, and his mother was a pianist and organist. Sorey started playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the drums, trombone, and trumpet. Sorey attended William Paterson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz studies. He then went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in composition from Wesleyan University and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from Columbia University. Sorey's music is known for its experimental and avant-garde qualities, drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical traditions, including jazz, classical, and contemporary music. He has been praised for his ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles, creating a unique and innovative sound. One of Sorey's most notable works is his 2016 album, "The Inner Spectrum of Variables," which was released on the Pi Recordings label. The album features a six-part suite that explores the intersections of jazz, classical, and experimental music. The suite features Sorey on drums, alongside a group of musicians that includes pianist Cory Smythe, bassist Chris Tordini, and guitarist Joe Morris. Another notable work by Sorey is his 2018 opera, "Cycles of My Being," which was commissioned by Opera Philadelphia. The opera explores the experiences of black men in America, with a libretto by poet Terrance Hayes. The work features tenor Lawrence Brownlee, who sings a series of songs that reflect on different aspects of the black experience, from joy and love to fear and anger. Sorey has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists, including pianist Vijay Iyer, saxophonist Steve Lehman, and visual artist Kara Walker. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a MacArthur Fellowship in 2017. In addition to his work as a composer, Sorey is also an accomplished performer and educator. He has taught at Wesleyan University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Columbia University School of the Arts. He has also performed with a number of jazz and experimental music groups, including the Vijay Iyer Trio and the Steve Lehman Octet. Overall, Tyshawn Sorey is a highly innovative and influential composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His work is characterized by its experimental and avant-garde qualities, as well as its ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles. With his unique and innovative approach to music, Sorey has established himself as one of the most important and exciting composers of his generation.

More....