Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

December 31, 1962 in Brooklyn, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Jennifer Higdon is a contemporary American composer who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Born on December 31, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, Higdon grew up in a musical family. Her father was a jazz musician, and her mother was a singer. Higdon began playing the flute at the age of 15 and went on to study music at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. After completing her undergraduate degree, Higdon pursued a master's degree in music composition at the University of Pennsylvania. She then went on to earn a Ph.D. in composition from the University of Pennsylvania. During her time at the University of Pennsylvania, Higdon studied with George Crumb, a renowned composer known for his avant-garde style. Higdon's early works were heavily influenced by Crumb's style, but she soon developed her own unique voice. Her music is characterized by its accessibility, tonality, and use of traditional forms. Higdon's compositions often feature lush harmonies, intricate rhythms, and soaring melodies. One of Higdon's earliest works to gain recognition was her Concerto for Orchestra, which was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2002. The piece was well-received by audiences and critics alike and helped establish Higdon as a major force in contemporary classical music. Higdon's most famous work is her Violin Concerto, which was commissioned by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 2008. The piece was written for violinist Hilary Hahn and has since become one of the most frequently performed violin concertos of the 21st century. The Violin Concerto won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2010, making Higdon only the third woman to receive the award. In addition to her orchestral works, Higdon has also composed numerous chamber music pieces, including her String Quartet No. 1, which was commissioned by the Lark Quartet in 1999. The piece has been performed by numerous ensembles and has been praised for its intricate counterpoint and emotional depth. Higdon's other notable works include her Percussion Concerto, which was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2005, and her Blue Cathedral, which was commissioned by the Curtis Institute of Music in 1999. Blue Cathedral has become one of Higdon's most popular works and has been performed by orchestras around the world. Higdon's music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She has also received numerous awards and honors for her work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a MacArthur Fellowship. In addition to her work as a composer, Higdon is also a respected educator. She has taught at several universities, including the Curtis Institute of Music and the University of Michigan. Higdon is known for her dedication to mentoring young composers and helping them develop their own unique voices. Overall, Jennifer Higdon is a composer who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Her music is characterized by its accessibility, tonality, and emotional depth. Higdon's works have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and have won numerous awards and honors. She is also a respected educator who is dedicated to mentoring young composers and helping them develop their own unique voices.

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