Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 24, 1935 in New York City, NY

 

Valerie Capers is a renowned classical music composer, pianist, and educator. She was born on August 24, 1935, in the Bronx, New York City. Her parents were both musicians, and her father, who was blind, was a jazz pianist. Capers was exposed to music from a young age and began playing the piano at the age of three. She was a prodigious talent and gave her first public performance at the age of six. Capers attended the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind, where she received a comprehensive education in music theory, composition, and performance. She went on to study at the Juilliard School of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. She later earned a Master of Music degree in music education from the Manhattan School of Music. Capers began her career as a performer, playing with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Max Roach. However, she soon turned her attention to composition, and her works have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world. Her compositions are known for their blend of classical, jazz, and gospel influences, and she has been praised for her ability to create music that is both accessible and sophisticated. One of Capers' most famous works is her opera, "The Legend of Annie Christmas," which tells the story of a young woman who becomes a legendary outlaw in the American West. The opera premiered in 1993 and has been performed by numerous opera companies and orchestras. Capers has also composed a number of works for solo piano, including "Sketches," a collection of jazz-inspired pieces, and "Song of the Seasons," a suite of pieces inspired by the changing seasons. In addition to her work as a composer, Capers has been a dedicated educator. She has taught at a number of institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music, and the Harlem School of the Arts. She has also been a mentor to many young musicians, and her influence can be seen in the work of numerous composers and performers. Capers has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music. In 2018, she was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Bronx community. She has also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Throughout her career, Capers has been a trailblazer for women and African American composers. She has broken down barriers and paved the way for future generations of musicians. Her music is a testament to her talent, creativity, and dedication to the art form.

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