Role

:

Composer Performer

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Matthew Burtner is a contemporary classical music composer who has made a significant impact on the music world with his innovative and experimental compositions. Born in 1970 in Anchorage, Alaska, Burtner grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, which gave him a diverse musical education. Burtner began his formal music education at the University of Alaska, where he studied composition and electronic music. He then went on to earn his Master's degree in composition from the University of California, San Diego, and his Doctorate in composition from Harvard University. Throughout his career, Burtner has been interested in exploring the intersection of music and technology. He has created numerous works that incorporate electronic and computer-generated sounds, as well as traditional acoustic instruments. His compositions often feature environmental sounds, such as recordings of natural phenomena like wind, water, and ice. One of Burtner's most notable works is his piece "Auksalaq," which was commissioned by the National Science Foundation's Antarctic Artists and Writers Program. The piece is a multimedia work that incorporates recordings of ice and water from the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as live performances by musicians. The piece was premiered in 2006 and has since been performed at numerous venues around the world. Another notable work by Burtner is his piece "Portals," which was commissioned by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. The piece is a concerto for violin and orchestra that incorporates electronic sounds and video projections. The piece was premiered in 2015 and has been praised for its innovative use of technology and its exploration of the relationship between music and visual art. Burtner has also been involved in numerous collaborations with other artists and musicians. He has worked with choreographers, visual artists, and scientists to create multimedia works that explore a wide range of themes and ideas. His collaborations have been featured at festivals and venues around the world, including the Venice Biennale, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to his work as a composer, Burtner is also a professor of music at the University of Virginia. He has taught courses on composition, electronic music, and music technology, and has mentored numerous students who have gone on to successful careers in music. Overall, Matthew Burtner is a composer who has made a significant impact on the contemporary classical music world with his innovative and experimental works. His compositions incorporate a wide range of sounds and technologies, and his collaborations with other artists have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music and art. As a professor, he has also inspired and mentored the next generation of musicians and composers, ensuring that his legacy will continue for years to come.

More....