Birth

:

1960

 

Shawn Kirchner is a renowned American composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 6, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, Kirchner grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to a wide range of musical genres from an early age. Kirchner attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music composition. He later went on to earn a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the University of Southern California (USC). During his time at USC, Kirchner studied under the renowned choral conductor and composer Morten Lauridsen, who had a significant influence on his musical style. After completing his studies, Kirchner began his career as a composer and arranger, working on a variety of projects in the classical music world. He has composed music for numerous choral ensembles, including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Pacific Chorale, and the Santa Fe Desert Chorale. He has also arranged music for a variety of artists, including Josh Groban, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. One of Kirchner's most significant achievements as a composer was the creation of his work "Songs of Ascent," which was commissioned by the Los Angeles Master Chorale in 2008. The piece is a collection of six songs that draw inspiration from the Psalms and other biblical texts. It was premiered by the Los Angeles Master Chorale at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and has since been performed by numerous choral ensembles around the world. Kirchner's work as a conductor has also been highly acclaimed. He has served as the conductor of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and the Los Angeles Master Chorale Chamber Singers, among other ensembles. He has also conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Pacific Symphony, among other orchestras. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Kirchner is also an accomplished pianist. He has performed as a soloist and accompanist in numerous concerts and recordings, showcasing his virtuosic skills on the piano. Kirchner's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2012, he was awarded the ASCAP Foundation Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission for his work "Heavenly Home: Three American Songs." He has also received awards from the American Composers Forum, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the American Choral Directors Association, among others. Kirchner's music has been described as "richly textured" and "emotionally powerful," drawing on a wide range of musical influences and styles. His works often incorporate elements of folk music, jazz, and gospel, creating a unique and distinctive sound that has earned him a devoted following among classical music enthusiasts. Today, Kirchner continues to compose, conduct, and perform, sharing his passion for classical music with audiences around the world. His contributions to the world of classical music have cemented his place as one of the most important and influential composers of his generation.

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