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Composer  

 

Damien Sneed is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a pianist, organist, conductor, composer, and vocalist. Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1981, Sneed grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at the age of three. He showed exceptional talent and was soon performing in church and school events. Sneed's parents recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue music seriously. He attended the John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School in Augusta, where he studied classical piano and voice. He also played the organ at his church and became the music director at the age of 12. After high school, Sneed attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. He continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he earned a Master of Music degree in conducting. Sneed's career took off when he became the music director for the legendary gospel singer, Aretha Franklin. He worked with Franklin for several years, touring with her and arranging music for her concerts. He also worked with other notable artists, including Diana Ross, Wynton Marsalis, and Stevie Wonder. In addition to his work as a performer, Sneed is also a composer and arranger. He has written music for film, television, and theater, and has arranged music for orchestras and choirs. He has also released several albums of his own music, including "Introspections," "The Three Sides of Damien Sneed," and "We Shall Overcome." Sneed has received numerous awards and honors for his work in music. In 2014, he was named one of the "Top 40 Under 40" by The Network Journal, a publication for African American professionals. He has also been recognized by the National Association of Negro Musicians and the Sphinx Organization, which supports young musicians of color. One of Sneed's most notable performances was his appearance at the White House in 2015, where he performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. He has also performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Apollo Theater, among other prestigious venues. Sneed is known for his versatility as a musician, and his ability to blend different genres of music. He has performed classical music, gospel, jazz, and R&B, and has collaborated with artists from a variety of backgrounds. He is also committed to using music as a tool for social justice, and has worked with organizations that promote equality and diversity. In recent years, Sneed has focused on his work as a conductor, leading orchestras and choirs in performances of classical and gospel music. He has conducted the Chorale Le Chateau, the Sphinx Virtuosi, and the New York City Opera, among others. He has also founded his own ensemble, the Damien Sneed Chorale, which performs a mix of classical and gospel music. Sneed's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant, and he continues to inspire and educate young musicians. He has served as a guest lecturer and artist-in-residence at several universities, including the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Kentucky. In addition to his work in music, Sneed is also a philanthropist and community activist. He has worked with organizations that provide music education to underprivileged youth, and has supported causes related to social justice and civil rights.

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