Role

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Composer

Period

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Contemporary

Genre

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Orchestral

 

Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon is a Mexican-American composer who was born on October 16, 1962, in Guadalajara, Mexico. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a composer and his mother a pianist. Zohn-Muldoon began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and the violin. He studied music at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City and later at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Zohn-Muldoon's compositions are known for their unique blend of Mexican and American musical traditions. He often incorporates elements of Mexican folk music, such as the use of mariachi instruments, into his classical compositions. His works also draw inspiration from literature, art, and history. One of Zohn-Muldoon's most notable works is his opera "Comala," which is based on the novel "Pedro Páramo" by Mexican author Juan Rulfo. The opera premiered in 2010 at the Eastman School of Music and has since been performed in Mexico and the United States. "Comala" tells the story of a man who returns to his hometown to find it haunted by the ghosts of his ancestors. Another notable work by Zohn-Muldoon is his "Tierra de temporal" for orchestra and choir, which was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico. The piece is based on the poetry of Mexican writer Octavio Paz and explores themes of nature and the passage of time. Zohn-Muldoon has also composed several chamber works, including "Candelabra III" for string quartet and "Flores del Viento" for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. His chamber works often feature intricate rhythms and complex harmonies. In addition to his work as a composer, Zohn-Muldoon is also a professor of music at the Eastman School of Music. He has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions, including the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Fromm Music Foundation Commission. Zohn-Muldoon's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Arditti Quartet. His unique blend of Mexican and American musical traditions has earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative composers of his generation.

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