Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

1954

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

David Gompper is a renowned American composer, pianist, and conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on December 31, 1954, in Burlington, Iowa, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music at an early age. Gompper began his musical journey by learning the piano at the age of six. He later studied composition and piano at the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree. He then went on to pursue his Master of Music degree in composition at the University of Michigan, where he studied with William Bolcom and Leslie Bassett. Gompper also earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from the University of Michigan, where he studied with William Albright. Throughout his career, Gompper has composed numerous works for various ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. His compositions are known for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, and he often incorporates elements of jazz and popular music into his works. One of Gompper's most notable works is his opera, "The Difficulty of Crossing a Field," which premiered in 2002 at the University of Iowa. The opera is based on a short story by Ambrose Bierce and tells the story of a man who disappears while crossing a field. The opera received critical acclaim and has been performed at numerous venues across the United States. Another notable work by Gompper is his "Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble," which was commissioned by the University of Iowa and premiered in 2010. The concerto features a solo piano accompanied by a wind ensemble and is known for its intricate rhythms and complex harmonies. Gompper has also composed several works for orchestra, including his "Symphony No. 1," which premiered in 1997. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Gompper's ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles. The piece has been performed by numerous orchestras across the United States and has received critical acclaim. In addition to his work as a composer, Gompper is also an accomplished pianist and conductor. He has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras and has conducted several premieres of his own works. Gompper has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Goddard Lieberson Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He has also been a recipient of the ASCAP Award for Young Composers and the BMI Student Composer Award. Gompper has taught at several universities throughout his career, including the University of Michigan, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Iowa. He is currently a professor of composition and director of the Center for New Music at the University of Iowa. In conclusion, David Gompper is a highly respected composer, pianist, and conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards and honors. His works continue to be performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and his legacy as a composer and educator will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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