Role

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Composer  

Birth

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1990 in Boston, MA

 

Matthew Aucoin is a young and talented American composer, conductor, and pianist who has been making waves in the classical music world since his debut in 2011. Born on August 4, 1990, in Boston, Massachusetts, Aucoin grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. His mother was a professional violinist, and his father was a music teacher and conductor. As a child, Aucoin showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Aucoin attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with Robert Beaser and piano with Yoheved Kaplinsky. He graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music degree and went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the same institution in 2013. During his time at Juilliard, Aucoin was awarded numerous prizes and honors, including the Charles Ives Scholarship, the John Erskine Prize for Composition, and the Presser Foundation Award. Aucoin's music is characterized by its eclectic style, which draws on a wide range of influences, from classical to contemporary, from jazz to pop. His compositions are often marked by their lyrical melodies, complex harmonies, and intricate rhythms. Some of his most notable works include his opera "Crossing," which premiered at the American Repertory Theater in 2015, and his song cycle "Merrill Songs," which was commissioned by the New York Festival of Song in 2016. "Crossing" is a powerful and moving work that tells the story of Walt Whitman's experiences as a nurse during the Civil War. The opera features a cast of six singers and a chamber orchestra and is notable for its use of spoken word and choral singing. The work received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling and its emotional depth. "Merrill Songs" is a collection of six songs that set the poetry of James Merrill to music. The work was commissioned by the New York Festival of Song and premiered at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City in 2016. The songs are characterized by their lush harmonies and evocative melodies, which capture the beauty and complexity of Merrill's poetry. In addition to his work as a composer, Aucoin is also an accomplished conductor and pianist. He has conducted numerous orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He has also performed as a solo pianist and chamber musician, collaborating with some of the world's leading musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, and the Brentano String Quartet. Aucoin's talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades and awards. In 2018, he was named a MacArthur Fellow, one of the most prestigious awards in the United States. The award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional creativity and promise in their field and provides them with a stipend of $625,000 over five years to support their work. Aucoin's music has been praised for its emotional depth, technical skill, and innovative approach to composition. His work has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and opera companies, and he has been hailed as one of the most promising young composers of his generation. With his talent, dedication, and passion for music, Matthew Aucoin is sure to continue making a significant impact on the classical music world for years to come.

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