Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1970

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

 

Shawn Kirchner is a renowned American composer, arranger, and conductor, known for his contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 6, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, Kirchner grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music at an early age. Kirchner began his musical journey by learning to play the piano at the age of five. He later learned to play the guitar and the trumpet, which helped him develop a diverse range of musical skills. As a teenager, Kirchner was a member of the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, where he developed a passion for choral music. After completing his high school education, Kirchner attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. He later pursued a Master of Music degree in choral conducting at the University of Michigan, where he studied under the renowned conductor Jerry Blackstone. Kirchner's career as a composer began in the early 2000s when he started writing music for various choral groups. His compositions were well-received, and he soon gained recognition as a talented composer. In 2007, Kirchner's composition "Unclouded Day" won the prestigious Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission from the American Choral Directors Association. One of Kirchner's most notable works is his arrangement of the traditional spiritual "Wade in the Water." The arrangement, which features a soloist and a choir, has become a staple in the choral repertoire and has been performed by numerous choirs around the world. Kirchner's other notable works include "Heavenly Home: Three American Songs," "Songs of Ascent," and "Behold New Joy: Ancient Carols of Christmas." His compositions are known for their intricate harmonies, rich textures, and emotional depth. In addition to his work as a composer, Kirchner is also a respected conductor. He has conducted numerous choral groups, including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus, and the Santa Fe Desert Chorale. Kirchner is known for his ability to bring out the best in his performers and for his attention to detail. Kirchner's contributions to the world of classical music have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the John Ness Beck Foundation Award for Choral Composition. Kirchner continues to compose and conduct music, and his works are regularly performed by choirs around the world. His dedication to the art of choral music has helped to keep the tradition alive and has inspired countless musicians and music lovers.

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