Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1978

Period

:

Contemporary

 

David T. Little is a contemporary American composer known for his innovative and boundary-pushing works that blend elements of classical, rock, and experimental music. Born on October 6, 1978, in New Jersey, Little grew up in a musical family and began playing the drums at a young age. His father was a jazz drummer, and his mother was a singer, so music was always a part of his life. Little attended the University of Michigan, where he studied percussion and composition. He later earned a Master's degree in composition from the University of Southern California and a Doctorate in music composition from Princeton University. During his studies, Little was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including punk rock, heavy metal, and experimental music. Little's early works were heavily influenced by his background in percussion, and he often incorporated unconventional instruments and techniques into his compositions. One of his earliest works, "Haunt of Last Nightfall," was written for a percussion quartet and featured a variety of unusual instruments, including brake drums, hubcaps, and metal pipes. In 2006, Little co-founded the ensemble Newspeak, which became known for its innovative and genre-defying performances. The group's repertoire included works by Little as well as other contemporary composers, and they often collaborated with musicians from other genres, such as rock and hip-hop. Little's breakthrough work came in 2010 with his opera "Soldier Songs," which explores the experience of war through the eyes of a soldier. The opera features a solo baritone accompanied by a chamber ensemble and incorporates elements of rock music, including electric guitar and drum set. "Soldier Songs" was praised for its powerful and emotional portrayal of the effects of war on soldiers and their families. Since then, Little has continued to push the boundaries of classical music with works that blend elements of rock, punk, and experimental music. His 2014 work "Dog Days" is a post-apocalyptic opera that tells the story of a family struggling to survive in a world ravaged by war and environmental disaster. The opera features a rock band and incorporates elements of punk and heavy metal music. Little's other notable works include "Austerity Measures," a piece for string quartet that explores the economic crisis in Greece, and "JFK," an opera that tells the story of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. "JFK" premiered in 2016 at the Fort Worth Opera and was praised for its innovative use of multimedia and its powerful portrayal of the events surrounding the assassination. In addition to his work as a composer, Little is also an educator and has taught at several universities, including the University of Michigan, Montclair State University, and the Manhattan School of Music. He has also served as a mentor for young composers through programs such as the American Composers Orchestra's EarShot program and the New York Youth Symphony's Composition Program. Little's innovative and genre-defying works have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including a 2014 Arts and Letters Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and a 2015 Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome. He has also been commissioned by a wide range of organizations, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Kronos Quartet. In conclusion, David T.

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