Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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October 27, 1980

 

Missy Mazzoli is a contemporary classical music composer who has gained recognition for her unique and innovative compositions. Born on October 27, 1980, in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Mazzoli grew up in a musical family. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a music teacher. Mazzoli started playing the piano at a young age and began composing music when she was in high school. Mazzoli attended the University of Michigan, where she studied composition with William Bolcom and Michael Daugherty. She also earned a master's degree in music composition from the Yale School of Music, where she studied with Martin Bresnick. During her time at Yale, Mazzoli was awarded the Woods Chandler Memorial Prize, which is given to the most outstanding composition student. Mazzoli's early works were influenced by minimalism and post-minimalism, but she has since developed her own unique style that incorporates elements of rock, electronic music, and opera. Her compositions often feature intricate rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and unexpected textures. One of Mazzoli's most notable works is her opera "Breaking the Waves," which premiered in 2016 at the Prototype Festival in New York City. Based on the 1996 Lars von Trier film of the same name, the opera tells the story of a woman named Bess who makes a series of sacrifices for the man she loves. The opera received critical acclaim for its powerful music and emotional storytelling. Another notable work by Mazzoli is her chamber opera "Song from the Uproar," which premiered in 2012 at the Kitchen in New York City. The opera tells the story of Isabelle Eberhardt, a Swiss explorer and writer who lived in North Africa in the late 19th century. The opera features a haunting score that incorporates electronic music and live instruments. Mazzoli has also composed works for orchestras, including "Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres)," which was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and premiered in 2014. The piece was inspired by the idea of planets and stars orbiting each other and features a complex interplay of rhythms and textures. In addition to her work as a composer, Mazzoli is also an advocate for women in classical music. She co-founded the Luna Composition Lab, which provides mentorship and support to young female composers. Mazzoli's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a United States Artists Fellowship. Overall, Missy Mazzoli is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Her unique style and powerful storytelling have earned her a place among the most exciting composers of her generation.

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