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Composer

 

Brian Balmages is a renowned American composer, conductor, and music educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on September 20, 1975, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Balmages showed an early interest in music and began playing the trumpet at the age of ten. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a music educator and his mother a pianist. This early exposure to music played a significant role in shaping Balmages' musical career. Balmages attended James Madison University in Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. He later went on to earn a Master of Music degree in Composition from the University of Miami. During his time at the University of Miami, Balmages studied under renowned composers such as Alfred Reed and John Corigliano, who had a significant influence on his musical style. Balmages' career as a composer began in the late 1990s when he started writing music for various ensembles, including concert bands, orchestras, and chamber groups. His early works were well-received, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer. In 2002, Balmages won the prestigious American Bandmasters Association Sousa/Ostwald Award for his composition "Fanfare Canzonique." Since then, Balmages has composed over 100 works for various ensembles, including symphony orchestras, wind ensembles, and chamber groups. His compositions are known for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, and he often incorporates elements of jazz, rock, and world music into his works. One of Balmages' most notable works is "Grace," a composition for string orchestra that was commissioned by the American String Teachers Association in 2005. The piece is a tribute to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and is a powerful and emotional work that has been performed by orchestras around the world. Another notable work by Balmages is "Colliding Visions," a composition for wind ensemble that was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America. The piece is a dynamic and energetic work that showcases Balmages' ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles. Balmages is also known for his work as a conductor and music educator. He has conducted numerous ensembles, including the Miami Symphony Orchestra, the University of Miami Wind Ensemble, and the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as a guest conductor and clinician for various ensembles around the world. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Balmages is also a respected music educator. He has taught at various institutions, including James Madison University, Towson University, and the University of Miami. He is currently the Director of Instrumental Publications for The FJH Music Company, a leading publisher of educational music. Balmages' contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to the American Bandmasters Association Sousa/Ostwald Award, he has also won the National Band Association's William D. Revelli Composition Contest and the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia's American Music Center Award. Overall, Brian Balmages is a talented and versatile composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles has earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative composers of his generation.

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