Role

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Composer

Birth

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1979 in Reno, NV

 

Sean Shepherd is a contemporary American composer who has made a name for himself in the classical music world. Born on June 26, 1979, in Reno, Nevada, Shepherd grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Shepherd began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. Shepherd attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan for high school, where he studied composition with Cynthia Folio. He then went on to study at Indiana University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in composition. While at Indiana University, Shepherd studied with David Dzubay and Sven-David Sandström. After completing his undergraduate studies, Shepherd attended Cornell University, where he earned his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in composition. While at Cornell, Shepherd studied with Steven Stucky, Roberto Sierra, and Kevin Ernste. Shepherd's music has been performed by many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He has also been commissioned by numerous organizations, including the Tanglewood Music Center, the Aspen Music Festival, and the American Composers Orchestra. One of Shepherd's most notable works is his 2011 composition, "Magiya." The piece was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and was premiered under the direction of Alan Gilbert. "Magiya" is a vibrant and energetic work that showcases Shepherd's skillful orchestration and use of rhythm. Another notable work by Shepherd is his 2014 composition, "These Particular Circumstances." The piece was commissioned by the Cleveland Orchestra and was premiered under the direction of Franz Welser-Möst. "These Particular Circumstances" is a complex and intricate work that explores the relationship between the individual and the collective. In addition to his work as a composer, Shepherd is also an accomplished educator. He has taught at Cornell University, the University of Southern California, and the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. Shepherd has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer, including the Rome Prize, the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award. Overall, Sean Shepherd is a talented and accomplished composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works are characterized by their intricate and complex structures, skillful orchestration, and use of rhythm. Shepherd's music is sure to continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

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