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Enrico Chapela is a Mexican composer who has gained international recognition for his innovative and eclectic approach to classical music. Born in Mexico City in 1974, Chapela grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to a wide range of musical styles from an early age. His father was a jazz musician and his mother was a classical pianist, and he began playing the guitar at the age of six. Chapela studied composition at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, where he was mentored by renowned Mexican composer Mario Lavista. He also studied at the Centre de Création Musicale Iannis Xenakis in Paris and the Centre for Research in Electronic Art and Technology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Chapela's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde and experimental music of the 20th century, particularly the works of composers such as John Cage, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Iannis Xenakis. His first major composition, "Li Po", was written in 1998 and was inspired by the poetry of the Chinese poet Li Po. The piece features a combination of traditional Chinese instruments and electronic sounds, and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. In 2001, Chapela gained international recognition for his composition "Ínguesu", which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet. The piece features a combination of traditional Mexican music and contemporary classical techniques, and was praised for its innovative use of rhythm and texture. The Kronos Quartet has since performed the piece at concerts around the world, and it has become one of Chapela's most well-known works. Chapela's music is characterized by its eclectic blend of styles and influences, which range from classical and jazz to rock and electronic music. He has also been influenced by Mexican folk music and the sounds of the city of Mexico City, where he grew up. His compositions often feature unconventional instrumentation and incorporate electronic sounds and effects. In addition to his work as a composer, Chapela is also an accomplished guitarist and has performed with a number of jazz and rock bands. He has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists, including the Mexican rock band Café Tacuba and the visual artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Chapela's most recent works include "Magnetar", a piece for orchestra and electronics that was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and premiered in 2015. The piece was inspired by the discovery of a magnetar, a type of neutron star with an extremely strong magnetic field. The composition features a combination of acoustic and electronic sounds, and was praised for its innovative use of technology and its ability to evoke the mysterious and otherworldly qualities of the magnetar. Overall, Enrico Chapela is a composer who has pushed the boundaries of classical music and brought a fresh and innovative perspective to the genre. His eclectic blend of styles and influences has made him a unique voice in contemporary classical music, and his works continue to be performed and celebrated around the world.

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