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Alison Willis is a contemporary classical music composer who has gained recognition for her unique and innovative compositions. Born in 1981 in London, England, Willis showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. She later went on to study music at the University of Cambridge, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. After completing her undergraduate studies, Willis continued her education at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she earned a Master of Music degree in Composition. During her time at the academy, she studied under the tutelage of renowned composers such as Simon Bainbridge and Philip Cashian, who helped shape her unique style and approach to composition. Willis' early works were heavily influenced by the minimalist movement, which was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Her compositions often featured repetitive patterns and simple harmonic structures, which created a sense of meditative calm and introspection. However, as she continued to develop her skills as a composer, Willis began to incorporate more complex and varied musical elements into her works. One of Willis' most notable works is her composition "The Windhover," which was commissioned by the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 2012. The piece is based on the poem of the same name by Gerard Manley Hopkins and features a solo violin accompanied by a full orchestra. The piece is characterized by its soaring melodies and intricate harmonies, which create a sense of awe and wonder. Another notable work by Willis is her composition "The Tree of Strings," which was commissioned by the London Sinfonietta in 2015. The piece is scored for a chamber ensemble of strings and percussion and features a complex and intricate musical structure. The piece is characterized by its use of unconventional playing techniques, such as bowing the strings with a credit card or tapping the strings with a drumstick, which create a unique and otherworldly sound. In addition to her work as a composer, Willis is also an accomplished pianist and has performed extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. She has collaborated with a number of other musicians and composers, including the acclaimed pianist Joanna MacGregor and the composer Michael Finnissy. Overall, Alison Willis is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Her works are characterized by their unique and complex musical structures, as well as their use of unconventional playing techniques and instrumentation. With her continued dedication to her craft, it is likely that Willis will continue to produce groundbreaking and inspiring works for years to come.

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