Role

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Composer

Birth

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in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

 

Zosha Di Castri is a Canadian composer of contemporary classical music. She was born on September 11, 1985, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her parents were both musicians, and her father was a composer. Di Castri grew up in a musical household and began playing the piano at a young age. She also played the violin and sang in choirs. Di Castri attended the University of British Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. She then went on to study composition at McGill University in Montreal, where she earned a Master of Music degree. She later earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from Columbia University in New York City. Di Castri's music is characterized by its complexity and experimentation. She often incorporates electronic sounds and unconventional instruments into her compositions. Her work has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. One of Di Castri's most notable works is her 2016 composition "Lineage." The piece was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered at Lincoln Center in New York City. "Lineage" is a multimedia work that incorporates video projections and live electronics. The piece explores the idea of ancestry and heritage, and features recordings of Di Castri's own family members. Another notable work by Di Castri is her 2014 composition "Cortège." The piece was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and premiered at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. "Cortège" is a tribute to the French composer Olivier Messiaen, and features a solo piano part that is reminiscent of Messiaen's own piano music. In addition to her work as a composer, Di Castri is also an accomplished pianist. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in Canada, the United States, and Europe. She has also collaborated with other composers and performers on interdisciplinary projects that combine music, dance, and visual art. Di Castri has received numerous awards and honors for her work as a composer. In 2016, she was awarded the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music, which is one of Canada's most prestigious music awards. She has also been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music and has received commissions from organizations such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to her work as a composer and pianist, Di Castri is also a teacher. She has taught composition at Columbia University and the University of Chicago, and has given masterclasses and workshops at universities and music festivals around the world. Overall, Zosha Di Castri is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Her work is characterized by its complexity and experimentation, and she has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field.

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