Role

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Composer  

Birth

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in California

Period

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Contemporary

 

 

Modern

 

Cary Ratcliff is a renowned American composer, conductor, and pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1953, in Richmond, Virginia, Ratcliff grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a choir director, which exposed him to music at an early age. Ratcliff began his musical journey by learning to play the piano at the age of six. He later studied music at the University of Richmond, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1975. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at the University of Michigan, where he studied under the tutelage of William Bolcom and Leslie Bassett. After completing his studies, Ratcliff began his career as a composer, conductor, and pianist. He has since become a prolific composer, with over 200 works to his name. His compositions range from choral music to orchestral works, and his music has been performed by numerous ensembles and orchestras around the world. One of Ratcliff's most notable works is his choral composition "Ode to Common Things," which was commissioned by the Dale Warland Singers in 1995. The piece is based on the poetry of Pablo Neruda and celebrates the beauty of everyday objects. The work has since become a staple in the choral repertoire and has been performed by numerous choirs around the world. Another notable work by Ratcliff is his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra in 2001. The piece showcases Ratcliff's virtuosic piano playing and his skill as a composer. The concerto has since been performed by several orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a composer, Ratcliff is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as the music director of several choral ensembles, including the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the Master Chorale of Washington. Ratcliff's contributions to the world of classical music have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award, the Virginia Commission for the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship, and the American Composers Forum Continental Harmony Award. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Ratcliff is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Richmond, the University of Michigan, and the University of Maryland. He has also served as a guest lecturer and clinician at numerous institutions and festivals around the world. In conclusion, Cary Ratcliff is a highly accomplished composer, conductor, and pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His compositions are celebrated for their beauty, complexity, and emotional depth, and his skill as a conductor and pianist is widely recognized. Ratcliff's dedication to music education has also helped to inspire and shape the next generation of musicians.

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