Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Australia

Birth

:

December 23, 1943

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Ross Edwards is a renowned Australian composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 23, 1943, in Sydney, Australia, Edwards grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music from an early age. Edwards began his musical journey by learning the piano at the age of six. He later studied composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he was mentored by Peter Sculthorpe, one of Australia's most prominent composers. Edwards also studied at the University of Adelaide, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree. Throughout his career, Edwards has been inspired by the natural world and the music of different cultures. He has traveled extensively, studying the music of various indigenous cultures, including those of Australia, Bali, and the Pacific Islands. This has influenced his compositions, which often incorporate elements of these cultures. One of Edwards' most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, Da Pacem Domine, which was commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 1995. The symphony is a tribute to the victims of the Bosnian War and is based on a Gregorian chant. The work has been performed by orchestras around the world, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Another significant work by Edwards is his Piano Concerto, which was commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1983. The concerto is a fusion of Western classical music and the music of Bali, and it has been performed by pianists such as Michael Kieran Harvey and Tamara-Anna Cislowska. Edwards has also composed several works for chamber ensembles, including his String Quartet No. 2, which was commissioned by the Australian String Quartet in 1998. The work is based on the music of the Australian Aboriginal people and has been performed by numerous string quartets around the world. In addition to his compositions, Edwards has also been a teacher and mentor to many young composers. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Sydney and the University of Wollongong. He has also been a guest lecturer at universities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Edwards has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1991, he was awarded the Order of Australia for his contributions to music. He has also been awarded the Don Banks Music Award, the APRA Classical Music Award, and the Peggy Glanville-Hicks Residency. In conclusion, Ross Edwards is a highly respected composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His compositions are inspired by the natural world and the music of different cultures, and he has been a mentor to many young composers. His works have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music.

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