Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1950

 

Michael Schelle is an American composer who was born on October 1, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a singer. Schelle began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1972. After completing his undergraduate studies, Schelle continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Master of Music degree in 1974 and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1977. During his time at the University of Michigan, Schelle studied with some of the most prominent composers of the time, including William Bolcom, Leslie Bassett, and George Wilson. Schelle's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the works of John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen. However, as he continued to develop as a composer, Schelle began to incorporate more traditional elements into his music, such as tonality and melody. One of Schelle's most notable works is his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1990. The symphony is a large-scale work that features a wide range of musical styles and influences, including jazz, rock, and classical music. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the human experience. Another significant work by Schelle is his opera, The End of the Affair, which is based on the novel by Graham Greene. The opera premiered in 2004 and has been performed by several opera companies throughout the United States. The End of the Affair is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and redemption, and features Schelle's signature blend of avant-garde and traditional musical elements. In addition to his work as a composer, Schelle is also a respected educator and has taught at several universities throughout the United States. He has been a professor of music at Butler University in Indianapolis since 1985 and has also taught at the University of Michigan, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Louisville. Throughout his career, Schelle has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of music. In 1990, he was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship, and in 1995, he was named a Fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Schelle has also been the recipient of several awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and has been commissioned by numerous orchestras and ensembles throughout the United States. Overall, Michael Schelle is a highly respected composer and educator who has made significant contributions to the field of classical music. His works are known for their unique blend of avant-garde and traditional musical elements and have been performed by some of the most prominent orchestras and ensembles in the world. Schelle's legacy as a composer and educator will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians and composers.

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