Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

February 19, 1946 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Paul Dean is a renowned Australian classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a composer, conductor, and clarinetist. Born on August 14, 1946, in Brisbane, Australia, Dean grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Roy Dean, was a well-known jazz musician, and his mother, Betty Dean, was a pianist. From a young age, Dean showed a keen interest in music and began playing the clarinet at the age of nine. Dean's early musical education was under the guidance of his father, who taught him the basics of jazz and improvisation. However, Dean's interest in classical music grew as he began to explore the works of composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. He went on to study at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1968. After completing his studies, Dean began his career as a professional musician, performing with various orchestras and ensembles in Australia and abroad. He was appointed principal clarinetist of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in 1970, a position he held for 13 years. During this time, he also performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. In addition to his work as a performer, Dean also began to establish himself as a composer. His first major work, the Clarinet Concerto, was premiered by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in 1976. The piece was well-received and marked the beginning of Dean's career as a composer. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Dean continued to perform and compose, earning critical acclaim for his work in both areas. He was awarded the prestigious Don Banks Music Award in 1985, which recognized his contributions to Australian music. In 1990, he was appointed artistic director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, a position he held for 11 years. One of the highlights of Dean's career as a performer came in 1995 when he was invited to perform at the prestigious Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont, USA. The festival, which is known for its focus on chamber music, brings together some of the world's most talented musicians for a summer of intensive rehearsals and performances. Dean's performance at the festival was widely praised, and he was invited back to perform in subsequent years. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Dean has also made significant contributions to music education. He has taught at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, the University of Melbourne, and the Australian National Academy of Music. He has also served as a mentor to many young musicians, helping to shape the next generation of classical music artists. Dean's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Don Banks Music Award, he has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his services to music. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Queensland and Griffith University. Today, Dean continues to perform, compose, and teach, inspiring audiences and musicians alike with his passion for music. His legacy as one of Australia's most talented and influential classical music artists is secure, and his contributions to the world of music will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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