Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Australia

Birth

:

1958

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Keyboard

 

Michael Smetanin is a contemporary Australian composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in Sydney in 1958, Smetanin grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a pianist and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Smetanin began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and composition with some of Australia's most renowned teachers. He went on to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then continued his studies at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition. Throughout his career, Smetanin has been recognized for his innovative and experimental approach to composition. His works often incorporate elements of electronic music, and he is known for his use of unconventional instruments and techniques. He has also been praised for his ability to create complex and intricate musical structures that challenge traditional notions of form and harmony. One of Smetanin's most notable works is his opera "The Burrow," which was commissioned by the Sydney Chamber Opera in 2012. Based on a short story by Franz Kafka, the opera tells the story of a creature who lives in a burrow and is constantly under threat from outside forces. The opera features a unique blend of acoustic and electronic instruments, and has been praised for its haunting and otherworldly sound. Another notable work by Smetanin is his "String Quartet No. 2," which was commissioned by the Australian String Quartet in 2005. The piece is known for its complex and intricate structure, which incorporates elements of minimalism and serialism. It has been described as a "tour de force" of contemporary string quartet writing. Smetanin has also been recognized for his work as a teacher and mentor. He has taught composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the University of Western Sydney, and the Australian National University. Many of his students have gone on to become successful composers in their own right. In addition to his work as a composer and teacher, Smetanin has also been involved in the organization and promotion of contemporary classical music in Australia. He was a founding member of the Australian Music Centre, which is dedicated to the promotion and support of Australian composers and their works. He has also served as the artistic director of the Aurora Festival, which showcases contemporary music from Australia and around the world. Overall, Michael Smetanin is a composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His innovative and experimental approach to composition has challenged traditional notions of form and harmony, and his works have been praised for their haunting and otherworldly sound. As a teacher and mentor, he has inspired a new generation of composers to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music.

More....