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Composer

 

Theo Chandler is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1992 in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his mother being a pianist and his father a composer. From a young age, Chandler was exposed to classical music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Chandler attended the Juilliard School, where he studied composition with Robert Beaser and John Corigliano. He also studied piano with Julian Martin and Joseph Kalichstein. During his time at Juilliard, Chandler was awarded numerous prizes and scholarships, including the Gena Raps Scholarship and the Palmer Dixon Prize. Chandler's music is characterized by its intricate harmonies and use of extended techniques. He often draws inspiration from literature and visual art, and his compositions often have a narrative quality. Chandler's works have been performed by numerous ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the American Composers Orchestra, and the JACK Quartet. One of Chandler's most notable works is his orchestral piece "As Above, So Below," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered in 2018. The piece is inspired by the concept of the microcosm and macrocosm, and features intricate harmonies and a wide range of textures. The piece was well-received by critics, with The New York Times describing it as "a work of great beauty and complexity." Another notable work by Chandler is his string quartet "Of Time and the River," which was commissioned by the JACK Quartet and premiered in 2016. The piece is inspired by the eponymous novel by Thomas Wolfe, and features a wide range of extended techniques, including harmonics and glissandi. The piece was praised for its evocative qualities and its ability to capture the essence of Wolfe's writing. Chandler has also composed numerous works for solo instruments, including his piano piece "The River Beneath Us," which was commissioned by pianist Conrad Tao and premiered in 2017. The piece is inspired by the Hudson River and features a wide range of textures and harmonies. The piece was praised for its virtuosic qualities and its ability to capture the essence of the river. In addition to his work as a composer, Chandler is also an active performer and conductor. He has conducted numerous ensembles, including the Juilliard Orchestra and the New Juilliard Ensemble. He has also performed as a pianist in numerous concerts and recitals. Chandler's music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award. He has also been a fellow at numerous music festivals, including the Tanglewood Music Center and the Aspen Music Festival. Overall, Theo Chandler is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His works are characterized by their intricate harmonies and use of extended techniques, and often draw inspiration from literature and visual art. Chandler's music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and he continues to be an active performer and conductor in addition to his work as a composer.

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