Role

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Composer  

Birth

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August 1, 1982 in Greenville, NC

 

Caroline Shaw is a contemporary classical music composer, violinist, and singer who was born on August 1, 1982, in Greenville, North Carolina. She grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a pianist and her father a bassoonist. Shaw started playing the violin at the age of two and began composing music at the age of ten. She attended Rice University's Shepherd School of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance. She later went on to earn a Master of Music degree in violin performance from Yale University. Shaw's career as a composer began to take off in 2010 when she was commissioned by the vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth to write a piece for them. The resulting work, Partita for 8 Voices, won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2013, making Shaw the youngest person ever to win the award. Partita for 8 Voices is a six-movement work that draws on a variety of musical styles, including Baroque dance forms, Appalachian folk music, and contemporary classical music. The piece showcases Roomful of Teeth's unique vocal techniques, which include throat singing, yodeling, and belting. Since winning the Pulitzer Prize, Shaw has become one of the most sought-after composers of her generation. She has been commissioned by a wide range of ensembles and organizations, including the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the BBC Singers. Her works have been performed at major venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Barbican Centre. One of Shaw's most notable works is the album Orange, which was released in 2019. The album features six of Shaw's compositions, including the title track, which was commissioned by the Attacca Quartet. Orange is a vibrant and eclectic work that draws on a wide range of musical influences, including folk music, pop music, and classical music. The album also features Shaw's vocal talents, with her singing on several tracks. Another notable work by Shaw is The Listeners, which was commissioned by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and premiered in 2016. The Listeners is a multimedia work that combines music, dance, and visual art. The piece was inspired by the idea of listening and features a variety of sounds, including spoken word, singing, and instrumental music. The Listeners was praised for its innovative approach to classical music and its ability to engage audiences in new ways. In addition to her work as a composer, Shaw is also an accomplished violinist and singer. She has performed with a number of ensembles, including the American Contemporary Music Ensemble and the Trinity Wall Street Choir. She is also a member of Roomful of Teeth, the vocal ensemble that commissioned her Pulitzer Prize-winning work. Shaw's music is known for its eclecticism and its ability to blend different musical styles and traditions. Her works often incorporate elements of folk music, pop music, and classical music, as well as experimental techniques and approaches. Shaw's music is also characterized by its use of vocal techniques, with many of her works featuring singing and spoken word. Overall, Caroline Shaw is a talented and innovative composer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Her works are known for their eclecticism, their use of vocal techniques, and their ability to engage audiences in new and exciting ways.

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