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Composer

 

Kirsten Volness is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1982 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. Her parents were both music educators, and her mother was a pianist and composer. Volness was exposed to a wide variety of music from an early age, including classical, jazz, and folk music. Volness attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. She then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Michigan. While at Michigan, she studied with Michael Daugherty, Kristin Kuster, and Bright Sheng. Volness's music is characterized by its use of intricate rhythms, rich harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. She often incorporates electronic sounds and live processing into her compositions, creating a unique blend of acoustic and electronic elements. Her music has been described as "evocative," "lyrical," and "visceral." One of Volness's early works is a piece for string quartet called "The Language of Mountains is Rain." The piece was inspired by a poem by Li Po and explores the idea of the natural world as a source of inspiration and renewal. The piece features lush harmonies and intricate rhythms, and has been performed by several ensembles, including the JACK Quartet. Another notable work by Volness is "The Light Within," a piece for orchestra and electronics. The piece was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra and premiered in 2017. The piece features a solo cello part, which was performed by the orchestra's principal cellist, Anthony Ross. The piece explores the idea of inner light and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. In addition to her work as a composer, Volness is also an active performer and collaborator. She has performed as a pianist and vocalist with several ensembles, including the new music ensemble Alarm Will Sound. She has also collaborated with visual artists and dancers, creating multimedia performances that combine music, dance, and visual art. Volness has received numerous awards and honors for her work as a composer, including a McKnight Fellowship for Composers and a Jerome Foundation Composer/Sound Artist Fellowship. Her music has been performed by ensembles and orchestras around the world, including the American Composers Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Overall, Kirsten Volness is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Her music is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate rhythms, and unique blend of acoustic and electronic elements. Her work explores a wide range of themes, from the natural world to the search for meaning in a chaotic world. With her talent and dedication, she is sure to continue making an impact on the world of classical music for years to come.

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