Role

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Composer  

Birth

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1953 in New York City, NY

Genre

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Keyboard

 

Andrew Violette is a renowned American composer, pianist, and organist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 1, 1953, in New York City, Violette grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Violette started playing the piano at the age of four and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Violette's musical education began at the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied piano and composition. He later attended the Juilliard School, where he studied with Milton Babbitt, a prominent American composer and music theorist. Violette's studies with Babbitt had a significant impact on his musical style, which is characterized by complex harmonies and intricate rhythms. In 1976, Violette made his debut as a composer with the premiere of his work "Piano Sonata No. 1" at the Juilliard School. The piece was well-received by the audience and critics, and it marked the beginning of Violette's career as a composer. Over the years, Violette has composed numerous works for various instruments, including the piano, organ, and orchestra. One of Violette's most significant works is his opera "Omar," which premiered in 1985 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The opera is based on the life of Omar Khayyam, a Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet. The piece features a large cast of singers and dancers and incorporates elements of Persian music and culture. "Omar" was a critical and commercial success and established Violette as a major figure in the world of contemporary opera. In addition to his work as a composer, Violette is also an accomplished pianist and organist. He has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, both as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. Violette's performances are known for their technical virtuosity and emotional depth, and he has been praised for his ability to bring out the nuances and subtleties of his compositions. Violette has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1986, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study the works of European composers. In 1992, he received the ASCAP Foundation's Rudolf Nissim Prize for his orchestral work "Symphony No. 1." In 2003, he was awarded the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Academy Award in Music, which is given to composers who have made significant contributions to American music. Despite his many accomplishments, Violette remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new forms of expression. He continues to compose and perform regularly, and his work has been featured in numerous concerts and festivals around the world. Violette's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant, and his legacy as a composer, pianist, and organist is sure to endure for many years to come.

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