Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

January 25, 1945 in Detroit, MI

Death

:

March 1, 2009 in Greensboro, NC

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Russell Peck was an American composer of classical music, known for his unique style that blended traditional classical music with elements of jazz, rock, and folk music. He was born on January 10, 1945, in Rochester, New York, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a pianist and music teacher. Peck began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He studied music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1967. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 1969. After completing his studies, Peck began his career as a composer and music educator. He taught music at several universities, including the University of Michigan, the University of Louisville, and the University of Utah. He also served as the composer-in-residence for the Louisville Orchestra and the Utah Symphony. Throughout his career, Peck composed a wide range of music, including orchestral works, chamber music, choral music, and music for solo instruments. His music was known for its eclectic style, which blended elements of classical music with jazz, rock, and folk music. One of Peck's most famous works is his "The Thrill of the Orchestra," which was commissioned by the Louisville Orchestra in 1983. The piece is a tribute to the orchestra and its musicians, and it features a wide range of musical styles and techniques. The piece has been performed by orchestras around the world and has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire. Another notable work by Peck is his "The Glory and the Grandeur," which was commissioned by the Utah Symphony in 1991. The piece is a tribute to the American West and features a wide range of musical styles, including Native American music, cowboy songs, and classical music. The piece has been performed by orchestras around the world and has become a beloved work in the classical music repertoire. Peck's other notable works include his "The Upward Stream," which was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1986, and his "Peace Overture," which was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra in 1995. Both pieces showcase Peck's unique style and his ability to blend different musical genres and styles. In addition to his work as a composer, Peck was also a respected music educator. He taught at several universities and was known for his ability to inspire and mentor young musicians. He was also a frequent guest lecturer and conductor, and he was often invited to speak at music conferences and festivals around the world. Peck's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award. He was also inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2001. Sadly, Russell Peck passed away on June 25, 2009, at the age of 64. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world. His unique style and his ability to blend different musical genres and styles have made him one of the most influential composers of his generation, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

More....