Role

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Composer Performer

Period

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Contemporary

 

David Smooke is a contemporary classical music composer, pianist, and educator. He was born on August 22, 1970, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Smooke grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. He started playing the piano at the age of five and began composing music in his teenage years. Smooke received his Bachelor of Music degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in 1992. He then went on to earn his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in composition from the University of Michigan in 1994 and 1998, respectively. During his time at the University of Michigan, Smooke studied with composers William Bolcom, Michael Daugherty, and Evan Chambers. Smooke's music is known for its eclectic style, blending elements of classical, jazz, rock, and electronic music. He often incorporates extended techniques and unconventional sounds into his compositions, such as prepared piano, toy instruments, and found objects. Smooke's music has been performed by numerous ensembles and soloists, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the New York New Music Ensemble, and pianist Marilyn Nonken. One of Smooke's most notable works is his piano concerto, "Request Concert," which was commissioned by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2007. The piece features a solo pianist who takes requests from the audience and improvises on them, while the orchestra provides a backdrop of pre-recorded sounds and live accompaniment. "Request Concert" has been praised for its innovative approach to the concerto form and its ability to engage audiences in a unique way. Another notable work by Smooke is his chamber opera, "The Brothers Grimm," which was premiered by the Peabody Opera Theatre in 2002. The opera is based on the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and features a cast of six singers and a chamber ensemble. Smooke's music for the opera is characterized by its whimsical and playful nature, as well as its use of extended vocal techniques and unconventional instrumentation. In addition to his work as a composer, Smooke is also an accomplished pianist and has performed his own music as well as the works of other composers. He has recorded several albums of his music, including "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death" and "Pianist: Pieces." Smooke is also a dedicated educator and has taught composition and music theory at several institutions, including the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the University of Michigan, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He has also served as a guest lecturer and composer-in-residence at various universities and music festivals. Overall, David Smooke is a unique and innovative voice in contemporary classical music. His eclectic style and use of unconventional sounds and techniques have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Through his compositions, performances, and teaching, Smooke continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in classical music.

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