Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

in Boston, MA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Barbara White was a renowned American composer of classical music, known for her unique style and innovative approach to composition. Born on December 10, 1949, in New York City, White grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist, which gave her a diverse musical background. White began her musical education at the age of six, studying piano and music theory. She later attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where she studied composition with John Corigliano. After graduating, she went on to study at the Juilliard School, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. White's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde movement of the 1960s and 1970s. She was particularly interested in the use of electronic music and the incorporation of non-traditional instruments into classical compositions. Her early works, such as "Electronic Study No. 1" and "String Quartet No. 1," were experimental and challenging, but also showed a great deal of promise. In the 1980s, White's style began to evolve, and she began to incorporate more traditional elements into her compositions. Her works from this period, such as "Symphony No. 1" and "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," were more accessible to audiences while still retaining her unique voice. One of White's most significant works is her opera, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane," which premiered in 2013. Based on the children's book by Kate DiCamillo, the opera tells the story of a toy rabbit's journey of self-discovery. The opera was praised for its beautiful score and emotional depth, and it quickly became one of White's most popular works. Throughout her career, White received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. She was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award, and the Rome Prize. She was also a fellow of the American Academy in Berlin and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. White's music has been performed by some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. Her works have been praised for their emotional depth, technical skill, and innovative approach to composition. Sadly, Barbara White passed away on November 28, 2020, at the age of 70. Her contributions to classical music will be remembered for years to come, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of composers.

More....