Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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December 8, 1984 in Nyack, NY

 

Nina Young is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1984 in Sydney, Australia. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a composer. From a young age, Young was exposed to classical music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Young's passion for music continued to grow throughout her childhood and teenage years. She attended the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she studied composition under the guidance of renowned Australian composer Anne Boyd. During her time at the conservatory, Young also studied piano and musicology. After completing her studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Young moved to the United States to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at the Yale School of Music. While at Yale, she studied under the tutelage of Martin Bresnick, Aaron Jay Kernis, and Christopher Theofanidis. Young's compositions are known for their intricate textures, rich harmonies, and use of electronics. She often draws inspiration from literature, visual art, and nature. Her works have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of Young's most notable works is her orchestral piece "Aggrieved Angels," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered in 2016. The piece was inspired by the poetry of Emily Dickinson and explores themes of loss, grief, and transcendence. The work received critical acclaim and was praised for its emotional depth and intricate orchestration. Another notable work by Young is her chamber opera "When We Dead Awaken," which was commissioned by the Sydney Chamber Opera and premiered in 2019. The opera is based on the play of the same name by Henrik Ibsen and explores themes of art, love, and mortality. The work was praised for its innovative use of electronics and its powerful vocal writing. In addition to her work as a composer, Young is also an active educator. She has taught composition at institutions such as the Yale School of Music, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a member of the composition faculty at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. Overall, Nina Young is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Her works are known for their emotional depth, intricate textures, and use of electronics, and she continues to inspire and educate future generations of composers.

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