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Composer  

 

Steve Normandin was a classical music composer born on May 12, 1965, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Normandin showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Normandin's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music seriously. He began taking piano lessons and soon started composing his own music. By the age of 12, he had already written several pieces for the piano. Normandin continued his musical education at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied composition under the guidance of renowned composers such as John Harbison and Michael Gandolfi. He also studied piano with Patricia Zander and chamber music with Eugene Lehner. During his time at the conservatory, Normandin's compositions began to gain recognition. In 1987, he won the conservatory's composition competition for his piece "Three Songs for Soprano and Piano." The following year, he won the prestigious ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award for his piece "String Quartet No. 1." After graduating from the conservatory in 1989, Normandin continued to compose and perform. He became a member of the Boston Composers' Coalition, a group of composers dedicated to promoting new music in the Boston area. He also performed as a pianist with various ensembles, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops. Normandin's compositions are characterized by their lyrical melodies, intricate harmonies, and use of traditional forms. He drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including classical music, jazz, and popular music. One of Normandin's most notable works is his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which he composed in 1995. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the piano, with fast runs and intricate passages that require great technical skill. The piece also features lush orchestration and a memorable main theme. Another notable work by Normandin is his "String Quartet No. 2," which he composed in 2001. The quartet is a four-movement work that showcases Normandin's skill at writing for strings. The piece features intricate counterpoint, lush harmonies, and a wide range of emotions. Normandin's music has been performed by many ensembles and musicians, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the New England Philharmonic, and the Borromeo String Quartet. His works have also been featured at festivals such as the Tanglewood Music Festival and the Aspen Music Festival. In addition to his work as a composer, Normandin was also a dedicated teacher. He taught composition and piano at the New England Conservatory of Music and the Boston Conservatory. He was known for his patient and supportive teaching style, and many of his students went on to successful careers in music. Tragically, Steve Normandin passed away on June 15, 2010, at the age of 45. His death was a great loss to the music world, but his legacy lives on through his music and the many students he inspired. Normandin's compositions continue to be performed and recorded, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary composers.

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