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Christopher Mayo is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1980 in Toronto, Canada. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a composer. Mayo began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and guitar. He attended the University of Toronto, where he studied composition with Gary Kulesha and completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 2003. After completing his undergraduate studies, Mayo moved to London, England, to pursue a Master of Music degree at the Royal College of Music. There, he studied with Julian Anderson and completed his degree in 2005. Mayo then went on to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan, where he studied with Michael Daugherty and Evan Chambers. Mayo's music is characterized by its rhythmic complexity and use of unconventional sounds and techniques. He often incorporates electronic elements into his compositions, and his works have been performed by ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. One of Mayo's most notable works is his 2012 piece "Supermarine," which was commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra and premiered at the BBC Proms. The piece is inspired by the Spitfire airplane and features a driving rhythm and soaring melodies. It has since been performed by orchestras around the world and has become one of Mayo's most popular works. Another notable work by Mayo is his 2016 piece "The Art of Dancing," which was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The piece is a tribute to the music of the Baroque era and features a mix of traditional and modern instruments. It has been praised for its inventive use of counterpoint and its ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles. Mayo has also composed several works for chamber ensembles, including his 2014 piece "The Ballad of Ishtar," which was commissioned by the London Sinfonietta. The piece is based on an ancient Babylonian myth and features a mix of acoustic and electronic sounds. It has been praised for its haunting melodies and intricate rhythms. In addition to his work as a composer, Mayo is also an active educator. He has taught composition at the University of Michigan and the Royal College of Music, and he currently serves as a lecturer in composition at the University of Bristol. Overall, Christopher Mayo is a talented and innovative composer who has made a significant impact on the contemporary classical music scene. His works are characterized by their rhythmic complexity and use of unconventional sounds, and they have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles. Mayo's contributions to the field of classical music are sure to be felt for many years to come.

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