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Kevin Siegfried is a contemporary American composer of choral and instrumental music. He was born in 1969 in New York City and grew up in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. Siegfried began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and trumpet in elementary school. He later attended the New England Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. Siegfried's early compositions were influenced by the minimalist and post-minimalist styles of composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass. He also drew inspiration from the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, particularly the works of J.S. Bach. Siegfried's interest in choral music began during his time at the New England Conservatory, where he sang in the school's choir. After completing his undergraduate studies, Siegfried continued his education at the Yale School of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition. While at Yale, he studied with composers such as Martin Bresnick and Ingram Marshall. Siegfried's compositions during this time continued to explore the intersection of minimalist and Renaissance styles, and he began to develop a unique voice as a composer. Siegfried's breakthrough work came in 2001 with his composition "Shaker Songs," a collection of choral arrangements of traditional Shaker hymns. The piece was commissioned by the Yale Glee Club and has since been performed by choirs around the world. "Shaker Songs" showcases Siegfried's ability to blend minimalist and Renaissance styles, with its simple, repetitive melodies and lush harmonies. Since the success of "Shaker Songs," Siegfried has become known for his choral compositions, which often draw on folk and spiritual traditions. His works have been performed by choirs such as the Boston Children's Chorus, the Yale Camerata, and the Washington Chorus. In addition to his choral music, Siegfried has also composed instrumental works, including a string quartet and a piece for solo piano. One of Siegfried's most notable works is "The Divine Image," a choral setting of a poem by William Blake. The piece was commissioned by the Washington Chorus and premiered in 2016. "The Divine Image" features Siegfried's signature blend of minimalist and Renaissance styles, with its simple, repetitive melodies and lush harmonies. The piece has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to convey the poem's message of love and compassion. Another notable work by Siegfried is "Three Folk Hymns," a collection of choral arrangements of traditional American hymns. The piece was commissioned by the Boston Children's Chorus and premiered in 2013. "Three Folk Hymns" showcases Siegfried's ability to draw on folk traditions while still incorporating his minimalist and Renaissance influences. The piece has been praised for its accessibility and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages. Siegfried's compositions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2015, he was awarded the Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission by the American Choral Directors Association. The commission resulted in the creation of "The Souls of the Righteous," a choral work based on texts from the Book of Wisdom. Siegfried has also been awarded grants from organizations such as the American Composers Forum and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

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