Role

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Composer Performer

Period

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Contemporary

Genre

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Avant-Garde

 

Benjamin Broening is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1960 in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Broening began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. After completing his undergraduate studies, Broening continued his education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from Columbia University in New York City. Throughout his career, Broening has been recognized for his innovative and experimental approach to classical music composition. His works often incorporate electronic and computer-generated sounds, as well as traditional orchestral instruments. He has been commissioned to create works for a variety of ensembles and organizations, including the American Composers Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Kronos Quartet. One of Broening's most notable works is his composition "Dream Sequence," which was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra in 1999. The piece is a multimedia work that incorporates live performance, electronic music, and video projections. It was premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York City and has since been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world. Another notable work by Broening is his composition "The Yellow Wallpaper," which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet in 2001. The piece is based on the short story of the same name by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and explores themes of mental illness and confinement. The work has been praised for its haunting and evocative soundscapes. In addition to his work as a composer, Broening is also a professor of music at the University of Richmond in Virginia. He has taught courses in music theory, composition, and electronic music, and has mentored numerous young composers. Overall, Benjamin Broening is a highly respected and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His works are known for their experimental and boundary-pushing approach, and he continues to inspire and influence a new generation of composers and musicians.

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