Role

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Composer

Birth

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October 1, 1973

 

John Mackey is a contemporary American composer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born on October 14, 1973, in New Philadelphia, Ohio, Mackey grew up in a musical family. His father was a high school band director, and his mother was a music teacher. Mackey began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. Mackey attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with John Corigliano and Christopher Rouse. He also studied with Cindy McTee at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his Master of Music degree. Mackey's early works were influenced by the minimalist music of Steve Reich and Philip Glass, as well as the music of Stravinsky and Bartok. Mackey's breakthrough work was "Redline Tango," a piece for wind ensemble that won the 2005 American Bandmasters Association Sousa/Ostwald Award. The piece is a high-energy, rhythmically complex work that showcases Mackey's unique style. "Redline Tango" has since become one of the most frequently performed works for wind ensemble. Mackey has composed a wide variety of works for various ensembles, including orchestral works, chamber music, and music for dance. His works often incorporate elements of popular music, such as rock and jazz, as well as non-Western musical traditions. One of Mackey's most popular works is "Aurora Awakes," a piece for symphonic band that was commissioned by the Illinois Music Educators Association in 2009. The piece is inspired by the Northern Lights and features soaring melodies and lush harmonies. "Aurora Awakes" has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world and has become a staple of the wind band repertoire. Mackey has also composed several works for orchestra, including "Night on Fire," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 2012. The piece is a tribute to the city of New York and features a driving rhythm and soaring melodies. "Night on Fire" has been performed by several major orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to his work as a composer, Mackey is also an active performer. He has played trumpet with several ensembles, including the New World Symphony and the Boston Pops. Mackey's experience as a performer has informed his work as a composer, and he often writes music that is challenging and rewarding for the musicians who perform it. Mackey has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer, including the Rome Prize, the Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He has also been commissioned by several major ensembles, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the United States Marine Band. Mackey's music has been praised for its energy, originality, and emotional depth. His works often explore themes of nature, spirituality, and human emotion, and he is known for his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. In conclusion, John Mackey is a contemporary American composer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His unique style, which incorporates elements of popular music and non-Western musical traditions, has earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative composers of his generation.

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