Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

1949

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Michael Udow is a renowned American composer, percussionist, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 20, 1949, in Flint, Michigan, Udow grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Udow started playing the drums at the age of nine and later switched to percussion instruments. Udow attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance in 1971. He continued his studies at the same institution and received a Master of Music degree in percussion performance in 1972. Udow then went on to study composition with William Albright and Leslie Bassett, both of whom were influential in shaping his musical style. As a percussionist, Udow has performed with several orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with renowned composers such as John Cage, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass. Udow's percussion compositions have been performed by leading ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Udow's compositions are known for their unique blend of Western classical music and world music influences. He has composed works for various ensembles, including orchestra, chamber groups, and solo instruments. One of his most famous works is "The Shattered Mirror," a percussion concerto that was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1986. The piece features a wide range of percussion instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, and timpani, and is known for its complex rhythms and intricate textures. Another notable work by Udow is "The Garden of Cosmic Speculation," a chamber work for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and percussion. The piece was inspired by the Garden of Cosmic Speculation, a sculpture garden in Scotland designed by Charles Jencks. Udow's composition features a series of musical vignettes that reflect the garden's various themes, including fractals, black holes, and the universe. Udow has also composed several works for solo percussion, including "The Last Judgment," a piece for solo marimba that was inspired by Michelangelo's painting of the same name. The piece features a series of virtuosic passages that showcase the marimba's range and versatility. In addition to his work as a composer, Udow has also been an influential educator. He has taught percussion and composition at the University of Michigan since 1975 and has mentored several generations of young musicians. Udow has also been a guest lecturer and performer at universities and music festivals around the world. Udow's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1995, he was awarded the Koussevitzky Foundation Commission for his work "The Garden of Cosmic Speculation." He has also received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs. In conclusion, Michael Udow is a highly respected composer, percussionist, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique blend of Western classical music and world music influences has resulted in a body of work that is both innovative and accessible.

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