Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1955 in Danbury, CT

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Benjamin Verdery is a renowned classical guitarist, composer, and educator. He was born on January 30, 1955, in Washington, D.C. and grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Verdery started playing the guitar at the age of five and was soon performing in public. Verdery received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in 1975, where he studied with Aaron Shearer. He then went on to study with Michael Lorimer at the Yale School of Music, where he received his Master of Music degree in 1979. During his time at Yale, Verdery won the prestigious Parkening International Guitar Competition in 1977. After completing his studies, Verdery embarked on a successful career as a performer and composer. He has performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many renowned musicians, including John Williams, Itzhak Perlman, and Frederica von Stade. Verdery has released numerous recordings, including his critically acclaimed album, "Start Now," which features his own compositions. He has also commissioned and premiered works by many contemporary composers, including Aaron Jay Kernis, Ezra Laderman, and Roberto Sierra. In addition to his performing and composing career, Verdery is also a highly respected educator. He has been on the faculty of the Yale School of Music since 1985 and has also taught at the Aspen Music Festival and School, the European American Musical Alliance in Paris, and the Conservatoire National de Musique in Senegal. Verdery has received many awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to winning the Parkening International Guitar Competition, he has also been awarded the prestigious "Artists' Fellowship" from the National Endowment for the Arts. He was also named "Classical Guitarist of the Year" by Guitar Player magazine in 1997. One of the highlights of Verdery's career was his performance at the 1987 inauguration of President Ronald Reagan. He performed a solo guitar piece by Aaron Shearer, which was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. Verdery's contributions to the world of classical guitar have been significant. He has expanded the repertoire for the instrument through his own compositions and his commissioning of new works. He has also inspired countless young musicians through his teaching and mentorship. In conclusion, Benjamin Verdery is a highly accomplished classical guitarist, composer, and educator. His performances and recordings have earned him critical acclaim, and his contributions to the world of classical guitar have been significant. He continues to inspire and educate young musicians through his teaching and mentorship, ensuring that the legacy of classical guitar will continue for generations to come.

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