Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1961

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Rachel Laurin is a Canadian composer and organist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on May 11, 1961, in St-Benoît, Quebec, Laurin grew up in a musical family. Her father was a church organist, and her mother was a pianist. From a young age, Laurin showed a keen interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of five. Laurin's musical education continued throughout her childhood and adolescence. She studied piano, organ, and composition at the Conservatoire de musique de Québec, where she earned several awards and distinctions. In 1980, she received a scholarship to study at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, where she continued her studies in composition and organ performance. After completing her studies, Laurin began her career as a composer and organist. She has since become one of the most respected and prolific composers of her generation, with over 200 works to her name. Her compositions have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Laurin's music is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and lyrical melodies. She draws inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, including Baroque, Romantic, and contemporary music. Her works often feature the organ, which she considers to be the "king of instruments." One of Laurin's most significant works is her Symphony No. 1 for Organ and Orchestra, which was commissioned by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in 2006. The symphony is a grand and majestic work that showcases the full range of the organ and the orchestra. It has been praised for its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and powerful emotional impact. Another notable work by Laurin is her Suite for Organ, which was commissioned by the American Guild of Organists in 2002. The suite is a collection of six short pieces that showcase the versatility of the organ. Each piece is inspired by a different musical style, from Baroque to contemporary music. Laurin has also composed several works for choir, including her Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, which was commissioned by the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, in 2010. The work is a setting of the traditional Latin texts of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis and features Laurin's signature rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint. In addition to her work as a composer, Laurin is also an accomplished organist. She has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. She has also recorded several albums of her own compositions and arrangements. Laurin's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2019, she was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for her contributions to Canadian music. She has also been awarded the Prix d'Europe, the Canada Council for the Arts' Molson Prize, and the Royal Canadian College of Organists' Distinguished Artist Award. In conclusion, Rachel Laurin is a Canadian composer and organist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

More....