Role

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Composer

Birth

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1966

 

John Estacio is a Canadian composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born in Newmarket, Ontario in 1966, Estacio grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a music teacher. Estacio began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Estacio studied music at the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to study at the Yale School of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition. During his time at Yale, Estacio studied with some of the most renowned composers of the time, including Jacob Druckman and Martin Bresnick. After completing his studies, Estacio began his career as a composer. He quickly gained recognition for his work, and his compositions were performed by some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. One of Estacio's most notable works is his opera, "Filumena." The opera tells the story of a young Italian immigrant who comes to Canada in search of a better life. The opera premiered in 2003 and was a critical and commercial success. It has since been performed by several opera companies across Canada. Estacio has also composed several works for orchestra, including "Borealis," "Frenergy," and "I Lost My Talk." "Borealis" is a tribute to the Northern Lights and was commissioned by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. "Frenergy" is a high-energy piece that was commissioned by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. "I Lost My Talk" is a tribute to the indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools in Canada. The piece was commissioned by the National Arts Centre Orchestra and was inspired by the poem of the same name by Rita Joe. In addition to his work as a composer, Estacio has also served as the composer-in-residence for several orchestras, including the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also been a guest lecturer at several universities and has served as a judge for several music competitions. Estacio's work has been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2002, he was awarded the Jan V. Matejcek New Classical Music Award, which is given to a Canadian composer under the age of 35 who has demonstrated exceptional talent. In 2009, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for his contributions to Canadian music. Estacio continues to compose music and is considered one of Canada's most important contemporary composers. His work has been praised for its emotional depth, technical skill, and ability to connect with audiences.

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