Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

South Africa

Birth

:

July 26, 1949 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Kevin Volans is a South African-born composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on July 6, 1949, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Volans grew up in a musical family. His father was a pianist, and his mother was a singer. Volans started playing the piano at a young age and showed a keen interest in music from an early age. Volans studied music at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1972. He then went on to study composition at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, where he received his Master of Music degree in 1974. After completing his studies, Volans moved to Cologne, Germany, where he studied with the renowned composer Karlheinz Stockhausen. Volans' early works were influenced by the minimalist movement, which was popular in the 1970s. However, he soon developed his own unique style, which incorporated elements of African music, as well as traditional Western classical music. His music is characterized by its rhythmic complexity, use of repetition, and incorporation of non-Western musical elements. One of Volans' most famous works is his String Quartet No. 1, "White Man Sleeps," which was composed in 1985. The piece is based on traditional African music and features complex rhythms and intricate melodies. The quartet has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world and has become one of Volans' signature works. Another notable work by Volans is his Piano Concerto No. 2, which was composed in 1997. The concerto features a solo piano accompanied by a large orchestra and is characterized by its use of repetition and rhythmic complexity. The piece has been performed by numerous pianists, including Barry Douglas and Ralph van Raat. Volans has also composed several operas, including "The Man with Footsoles of Wind," which was premiered in 1993. The opera is based on a story by the South African writer Bessie Head and features a libretto by the Irish poet Paul Muldoon. The piece has been performed in several countries and has received critical acclaim for its innovative use of African musical elements. In addition to his work as a composer, Volans has also been a professor of music at several universities, including the University of Natal in South Africa and the University of California, San Diego. He has also been a guest lecturer at numerous institutions around the world and has received several awards for his contributions to music. Volans' music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the London Sinfonietta, the Kronos Quartet, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His work has been praised for its innovative use of rhythm and melody and its incorporation of non-Western musical elements. In conclusion, Kevin Volans is a highly respected composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His unique style, which incorporates elements of African music and traditional Western classical music, has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following. His works, including his String Quartet No. 1 and Piano Concerto No. 2, have been performed by numerous ensembles around the world and have become staples of the classical music repertoire.

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