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Juraj Kojs is a Slovak-American composer, pianist, and multimedia artist who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born in Bratislava, Slovakia in 1977, Kojs began his musical journey at a young age, studying piano and composition at the Bratislava Conservatory. He later went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree in composition from the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, followed by a Master of Music degree in composition from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Kojs' early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde and experimental music of the 20th century, particularly the works of John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen. He was also drawn to the use of technology in music, and began incorporating electronic and computer-generated sounds into his compositions. One of his earliest works, "Piano Piece No. 1," was a minimalist composition that featured repetitive patterns and a gradual buildup of tension. In the years that followed, Kojs continued to explore new sounds and techniques in his compositions. He became particularly interested in the use of improvisation and collaboration in music, and began working with other musicians and artists to create multimedia performances that combined music, dance, and visual art. One of his most notable collaborations was with the dance company GroundWorks, with whom he created the multimedia performance "Chromatic Fields." Kojs' compositions have been performed by a number of prominent ensembles and musicians, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, and the JACK Quartet. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. One of Kojs' most significant works is his multimedia opera "The Mother of Us All," which was inspired by the life of suffragist Susan B. Anthony. The opera features a libretto by Gertrude Stein and incorporates elements of electronic music, video projection, and live performance. The work premiered in 2017 at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and was hailed as a groundbreaking achievement in the world of contemporary opera. In addition to his work as a composer, Kojs is also an accomplished pianist and has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. He has recorded several albums of his own compositions, as well as works by other contemporary composers. Overall, Juraj Kojs is a visionary composer and artist who has pushed the boundaries of classical music and embraced new technologies and techniques in his work. His compositions are characterized by their experimental nature, their use of multimedia elements, and their commitment to collaboration and improvisation. With his innovative approach to music and his dedication to exploring new sounds and ideas, Kojs has established himself as one of the most exciting and influential composers of his generation.

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