Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

October 4, 1941 in Waco, TX

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Robert Wilson is a renowned American theater director, visual artist, and choreographer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 4, 1941, in Waco, Texas, Wilson grew up in a religious family and was heavily influenced by his mother's love for music. He began playing the piano at a young age and showed a keen interest in the arts. Wilson's passion for the arts led him to study at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1963. He then moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater and began working with experimental theater groups such as the Byrd Hoffman School of Byrds and the Performance Group. In 1969, he founded the avant-garde performance group The Byrd Hoffman Foundation, which later became known as The Watermill Center. Wilson's breakthrough came in 1976 with his production of "Einstein on the Beach," an opera composed by Philip Glass. The production was a collaboration between Wilson and Glass and was performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The opera was a critical and commercial success and established Wilson as a major figure in the world of theater and opera. Over the years, Wilson has collaborated with many renowned composers, including Glass, Tom Waits, and Lou Reed. He has directed numerous operas, including "The Magic Flute," "Madama Butterfly," and "Parsifal." He has also directed plays, including "Hamlet," "The Threepenny Opera," and "The Old Woman." One of Wilson's most notable works is his production of "The CIVIL warS," a multi-part opera that was commissioned by the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival in Los Angeles. The production was never completed due to funding issues, but the completed parts were performed in various locations around the world. The production featured music by Glass, David Byrne, and Gavin Bryars, among others. In addition to his work in theater and opera, Wilson has also created numerous visual art installations. His works have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, including the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. Wilson's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1986, he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, commonly known as the "genius grant," for his contributions to the arts. He has also been awarded the National Medal of Arts, the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale, and the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize. Wilson's impact on the world of classical music and the arts in general cannot be overstated. His innovative and experimental approach to theater and opera has inspired countless artists and performers around the world. His legacy will continue to influence the arts for generations to come.

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