Role

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Composer  

Period

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Modern

Genre

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Ballet

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Michael Lipsey is a renowned percussionist and conductor in the world of classical music. Born on December 22, 1951, in New York City, Lipsey grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Lipsey started playing the drums at the age of six and was soon introduced to the world of classical percussion. Lipsey attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he studied percussion with Saul Goodman, the principal timpanist of the New York Philharmonic. After graduating from high school, Lipsey went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance. In 1974, Lipsey joined the Steve Reich and Musicians ensemble, which was founded by the minimalist composer Steve Reich. Lipsey played percussion in many of Reich's works, including "Drumming," "Music for 18 Musicians," and "Tehillim." Lipsey's work with Reich and his ensemble helped to establish him as a leading percussionist in the world of contemporary classical music. In addition to his work with Steve Reich and Musicians, Lipsey has performed with many other prominent contemporary classical music ensembles, including the Bang on a Can All-Stars, the Philip Glass Ensemble, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company. He has also performed with many orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Lipsey is also a respected conductor and has led many ensembles in performances of contemporary classical music. He has conducted the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony, among others. In 1999, Lipsey founded the Talujon Percussion Quartet, which has become one of the leading percussion ensembles in the world. Throughout his career, Lipsey has received many awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1990, he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the "genius grant," which is awarded to individuals who have shown exceptional creativity and talent in their field. In 2003, he received the Percussive Arts Society's Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of percussion. Lipsey's performances and recordings have also been recognized with many awards and nominations. In 1998, he won a Grammy Award for Best Small Ensemble Performance for his work with the Steve Reich and Musicians ensemble on the album "Music for 18 Musicians." He has also been nominated for several other Grammy Awards for his work with various ensembles. In addition to his work as a performer and conductor, Lipsey is also a respected educator. He has taught at many institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Yale School of Music. He has also given masterclasses and workshops around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring percussionists and conductors. In conclusion, Michael Lipsey is a highly respected percussionist, conductor, and educator in the world of classical music. His contributions to the field have been recognized with many awards and honors, and his performances and recordings have inspired and influenced countless musicians and audiences around the world.

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