Role

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Composer Conductor  

Genre

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Symphony

 

Peter Scholes is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, on 22nd September 1957, Scholes grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a music teacher. This early exposure to music sparked Scholes' interest in the art form, and he began playing the clarinet at the age of nine. Scholes' talent for music was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a skilled clarinet player. He went on to study music at the University of Auckland, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree. After completing his studies, Scholes began his career as a professional musician, performing with various orchestras and ensembles in New Zealand. In 1981, Scholes moved to London to further his career in music. He continued to perform with orchestras and ensembles, and also began composing his own music. Scholes' compositions were well-received, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer. One of Scholes' most significant achievements was the founding of the contemporary music ensemble, the New Zealand Chamber Soloists, in 1987. The ensemble was made up of some of New Zealand's most talented musicians, and they quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and exciting performances. Scholes served as the artistic director and clarinetist for the ensemble, and under his leadership, they became one of the most respected contemporary music ensembles in the world. Scholes' work with the New Zealand Chamber Soloists led to many opportunities for him to perform and compose music around the world. He has performed in countries such as Australia, Japan, the United States, and throughout Europe. Scholes has also composed music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo performers. In addition to his work with the New Zealand Chamber Soloists, Scholes has also collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles throughout his career. He has worked with the London Sinfonietta, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, among others. Scholes has also collaborated with many well-known composers, including John Adams, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass. Scholes' contributions to the world of music have been recognized with many awards and honors. In 1990, he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music. He has also been awarded the KBB Music Award for Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Music, and the Creative New Zealand Michael King Fellowship. One of Scholes' most memorable performances was his 2009 performance of Steve Reich's "New York Counterpoint" at the Auckland Town Hall. The performance was part of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's "Reich at 70" concert series, which celebrated the work of the renowned composer. Scholes' performance was widely praised for its technical skill and emotional depth. Scholes' work as a composer has also been widely recognized. His compositions have been performed by many ensembles around the world, and he has been commissioned to write music for a variety of events and occasions. In 2015, Scholes was commissioned to write a piece for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's "Made in New Zealand" concert series. The piece, titled "The Greening of the Hill," was inspired by the landscape of New Zealand and was well-received by audiences and critics alike.

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