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Vicki Ray is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of contemporary music. Born in 1956 in California, Ray grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a visual artist. Ray began playing the piano at the age of four and showed a natural talent for music. Ray's early musical education was influenced by her father's love of jazz, and she began playing in jazz bands as a teenager. However, she soon discovered a passion for classical music and began studying with renowned pianist Aube Tzerko. Ray went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the California Institute of the Arts and a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California. Throughout her career, Ray has been a champion of contemporary music, performing works by some of the most innovative composers of our time. She has collaborated with many of the leading composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, including John Adams, Steve Reich, and Terry Riley. Ray has also been a member of the California E.A.R. Unit, a contemporary music ensemble that has been at the forefront of new music for over 30 years. One of Ray's most significant performances was her solo piano recital at the 1990 Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City. The Bang on a Can Marathon is an annual event that showcases contemporary music from around the world. Ray's performance was a highlight of the marathon, and she received critical acclaim for her interpretation of works by composers such as Frederic Rzewski and Morton Feldman. In addition to her solo work, Ray has also been a member of several ensembles, including the Piano Spheres ensemble, which she co-founded in 1994. The ensemble is dedicated to promoting contemporary piano music and has commissioned works from many of the leading composers of our time. Ray's dedication to contemporary music has earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2005, she was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Concert Music Award for her contributions to contemporary music. She has also been a recipient of the Fromm Foundation Commission, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Ray's commitment to contemporary music has also led her to become a respected educator. She has taught at the California Institute of the Arts, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, San Diego. Ray has also been a guest lecturer and performer at many universities and music festivals around the world. In addition to her work as a performer and educator, Ray has also been an advocate for the arts. She has served on the boards of several arts organizations, including the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the American Composers Forum. Ray has also been a member of the advisory board for the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Green Umbrella series, which showcases contemporary music. In conclusion, Vicki Ray is a highly respected classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of contemporary music. Her dedication to promoting new music and her exceptional talent as a performer have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Ray's legacy as a performer, educator, and advocate for the arts will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers.

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