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Bruce Haynes was a Canadian classical music composer, born on November 11, 1943, in Vancouver, British Columbia. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father played the trumpet, and his mother was a pianist. Haynes started playing the trumpet at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Haynes attended the University of British Columbia, where he studied music theory and composition. He later went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Ph.D. in music composition. During his time at Berkeley, Haynes studied with renowned composers such as Andrew Imbrie and Olly Wilson. Haynes' early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s. His compositions were characterized by their use of unconventional techniques and sounds, such as extended techniques on instruments and electronic manipulation of sound. One of Haynes' most notable works from this period is his composition "The Abduction of Europa," which was premiered in 1975. The piece is a multimedia work that combines music, dance, and video projection. It tells the story of the Greek myth of Europa, who was abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull. The piece features a trumpet soloist, who represents the bull, and a dancer, who represents Europa. In the 1980s, Haynes' style began to shift towards a more tonal and melodic approach. He began to incorporate elements of jazz and popular music into his compositions, creating a unique blend of styles. One of his most popular works from this period is his "Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra," which was premiered in 1986. The piece features a virtuosic trumpet soloist and a lush orchestral accompaniment. Haynes continued to compose throughout the 1990s and 2000s, creating a diverse body of work that includes chamber music, orchestral works, and operas. One of his most ambitious works from this period is his opera "The Passion of Angels," which was premiered in 2003. The opera tells the story of a group of angels who rebel against God and are cast out of heaven. The piece features a large cast of singers and a complex orchestral score. Haynes' music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Order of Canada in 2002. Haynes passed away on January 17, 2021, at the age of 77. He left behind a legacy of innovative and groundbreaking music that continues to inspire and influence composers today.

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