Role

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Composer  

Period

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Contemporary

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Tom Flaherty is a contemporary American composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 25, 1950, in Providence, Rhode Island, Flaherty grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Flaherty started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and guitar. Flaherty attended the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1972. He then went on to study at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he received a Master of Music degree in 1974. Flaherty continued his studies at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a Ph.D. in music composition in 1983. Flaherty's early compositions were influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s. He was particularly interested in the works of composers such as John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Karlheinz Stockhausen. Flaherty's early works were characterized by their experimental nature, with a focus on unconventional sounds and structures. One of Flaherty's early works, "The Last Supper," was composed in 1974 and premiered at the New England Conservatory of Music. The piece was a multimedia work that combined music, dance, and visual art. It featured a large ensemble of musicians, including a rock band, and was performed in a non-traditional concert setting. In the 1980s, Flaherty's compositions began to evolve, with a greater emphasis on melody and harmony. He started to incorporate more traditional musical forms, such as sonatas and concertos, into his works. Flaherty's compositions from this period were still experimental, but they were more accessible to audiences. One of Flaherty's most significant works from this period is his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was composed in 1986. The piece was commissioned by the La Jolla Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1987. The concerto is a three-movement work that features a solo piano accompanied by a large orchestra. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies and virtuosic piano writing. In the 1990s, Flaherty's compositions continued to evolve, with a greater emphasis on narrative and storytelling. He started to incorporate elements of literature and poetry into his works, creating musical narratives that told stories and explored themes. One of Flaherty's most significant works from this period is his "Airdancing," which was composed in 1995. The piece is a musical narrative that tells the story of a young girl who dreams of flying. The work features a large ensemble of musicians, including a choir, and is characterized by its soaring melodies and lush harmonies. In the 2000s, Flaherty's compositions continued to evolve, with a greater emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary work. He started to work with artists from other disciplines, such as dancers and visual artists, to create multimedia works that combined music, dance, and visual art. One of Flaherty's most significant works from this period is his "Invisible Cities," which was composed in 2008. The piece is a multimedia work that combines music, dance, and visual art. It is based on the novel of the same name by Italo Calvino and explores themes of memory, imagination, and the nature of cities. The work features a large ensemble of musicians, including a choir, and is characterized by its intricate rhythms and lush harmonies.

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