Role

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Composer

Birth

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1963

 

Paula Kimper is a contemporary American composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1956 in New York City, Kimper grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. Kimper began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Kimper attended the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied composition with John Corigliano and David Del Tredici. She also studied at the Tanglewood Music Center and the Aspen Music Festival. After completing her studies, Kimper began working as a composer and pianist in New York City. One of Kimper's early works was a chamber opera called "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," which was based on the novel by Thornton Wilder. The opera premiered in 1992 at the New York International Fringe Festival and received critical acclaim. Kimper's use of Spanish and Latin American musical influences in the opera was particularly praised. In 1995, Kimper composed "Patience and Sarah," an opera based on the novel by Isabel Miller. The opera tells the story of two women who fall in love in 19th century America. "Patience and Sarah" premiered at the Lincoln Center Festival and was later performed at the New York City Opera. The opera was praised for its beautiful melodies and emotional depth. Kimper's next major work was "The Captivation of Eunice Williams," an opera based on the true story of a Puritan woman who was captured by Native Americans in the 18th century. The opera premiered in 2004 at the Berkshire Opera Company and was later performed at the New York City Opera. "The Captivation of Eunice Williams" was praised for its powerful storytelling and haunting music. In 2008, Kimper composed "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" again, this time as a full-length opera. The opera premiered at the University of Central Arkansas and was later performed at the New York City Opera. The opera was praised for its lush orchestration and emotional depth. Kimper's most recent work is "The Property," an opera based on the novel by Rutu Modan. The opera tells the story of a young woman who travels to Poland to reclaim her family's property that was lost during World War II. "The Property" premiered in 2018 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and was praised for its beautiful music and powerful storytelling. Throughout her career, Kimper has been recognized for her contributions to classical music. She has received numerous awards and grants, including the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship and the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship. Kimper has also been a resident composer at the MacDowell Colony and the Yaddo Artist Colony. In addition to her work as a composer, Kimper is also a pianist and conductor. She has performed with numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic and the American Symphony Orchestra. Kimper is also a dedicated educator and has taught at the Manhattan School of Music and the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. In conclusion, Paula Kimper is a talented and accomplished composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her works are known for their emotional depth, beautiful melodies, and powerful storytelling. Kimper's use of diverse musical influences, including Spanish and Latin American music, has set her apart as a unique voice in the classical music world.

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