Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1963 in Manchester, England

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Philip Cashian is a British composer who was born on December 10, 1963, in Manchester, England. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a professional violinist and his mother a pianist. Cashian started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the violin and the guitar. His early exposure to music and his family's musical background played a significant role in shaping his interest in music composition. Cashian attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he studied composition with Anthony Gilbert and John Casken. He later went on to study at the University of York, where he earned his Ph.D. in composition. During his time at the University of York, Cashian was mentored by the renowned composer, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, who had a significant influence on his musical style. Cashian's music is characterized by its intricate textures, complex rhythms, and use of unconventional instrumental techniques. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including literature, art, and nature. His compositions often explore themes of memory, identity, and the human condition. One of Cashian's most notable works is his 1996 composition, "Dark Inventions," which was commissioned by the London Sinfonietta. The piece is scored for a chamber ensemble of 13 players and features a range of unconventional instrumental techniques, including the use of harmonics, glissandi, and extended techniques on the strings. "Dark Inventions" has been widely performed and recorded by numerous ensembles, including the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and the Ensemble Intercontemporain. Another significant work by Cashian is his 2005 composition, "The House of Night," which was commissioned by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The piece is scored for a large orchestra and features a range of percussion instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, and glockenspiel. "The House of Night" is inspired by the poetry of Djuna Barnes and explores themes of darkness, mystery, and the unknown. Cashian has also composed several works for solo instruments, including his 2009 composition, "Piano Concerto," which was commissioned by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The piece is scored for solo piano and orchestra and features a range of virtuosic piano passages and intricate orchestral textures. "Piano Concerto" has been widely performed and recorded by numerous pianists, including Joanna MacGregor and Huw Watkins. In addition to his work as a composer, Cashian is also a respected music educator. He has taught composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London and is currently a professor of composition at the University of London's Royal Holloway College. He has also served as a judge for several prestigious music competitions, including the British Composer Awards and the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards. Cashian's contributions to the world of classical music have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Composers in 2008. His music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Ensemble Modern. In conclusion, Philip Cashian is a highly respected composer whose music is characterized by its intricate textures, complex rhythms, and use of unconventional instrumental techniques.

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