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Composer

 

Michael Gilbertson is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in Dubuque, Iowa in 1987. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a composer and conductor. Gilbertson began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the violin and trumpet. He attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate degree in music composition and then went on to earn his master's degree from the Yale School of Music. Gilbertson's compositions have been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Albany Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also received several awards and honors for his work, including the Rome Prize and the BMI Student Composer Award. One of Gilbertson's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra and premiered in 2017. The piece is a tribute to the composer's hometown of Dubuque and features themes inspired by the city's history and culture. The symphony has been praised for its emotional depth and intricate orchestration. Another notable work by Gilbertson is his Quartet for Piano and Strings, which was commissioned by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and premiered in 2015. The piece is a modern take on the classical piano quartet form and features complex rhythms and harmonies. The quartet has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world and has received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to the genre. In addition to his orchestral and chamber music works, Gilbertson has also composed several vocal pieces, including his song cycle "Falling" and his opera "Breaking." "Falling" is a collection of five songs for soprano and piano that explore themes of love and loss. The cycle has been performed by several prominent singers, including Renée Fleming and Susanna Phillips. "Breaking" is a one-act opera that tells the story of a young woman struggling with addiction. The opera premiered in 2019 at the Vail Valley Music Festival and has been praised for its powerful storytelling and emotional impact. Overall, Michael Gilbertson is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works are known for their emotional depth, intricate harmonies, and innovative approaches to traditional forms. As he continues to compose and collaborate with musicians around the world, it is clear that Gilbertson's impact on the classical music world will only continue to grow.

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