Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

1969 in Nelson, New Zealand

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

 

David N. Childs was born on December 1, 1969, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a singer. Childs began playing the piano at the age of five and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. Childs attended the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in French horn performance. He later earned a Master of Music degree in composition from the same institution. During his time at USC, Childs studied with renowned composers such as Morten Lauridsen and Frank Ticheli. Childs' compositions are known for their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate rhythms. His works have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. One of Childs' most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra in 2002. The symphony is in three movements and features a variety of musical styles, including jazz and Latin rhythms. The piece has been praised for its emotional depth and technical virtuosity. Another notable work by Childs is his Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, which was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2008. The concerto features a solo trumpet part that showcases the instrument's range and agility. The piece has been performed by trumpet virtuosos such as Alison Balsom and Tine Thing Helseth. Childs has also composed a number of works for wind ensemble, including his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra in 2011. The symphony is in four movements and features a variety of musical styles, including a lively samba in the third movement. In addition to his work as a composer, Childs is also a respected educator. He has taught composition and orchestration at the University of Southern California and the California Institute of the Arts. He has also served as a guest conductor and clinician for numerous ensembles and festivals. Childs' music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the ASCAP Foundation Rudolf Nissim Prize and the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship. He is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Overall, David N. Childs is a highly respected composer and educator whose works have been performed and recorded by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles. His music is known for its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and eclectic blend of musical styles.

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