Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

September 15, 1956

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Michael Chapdelaine is a renowned classical guitarist, composer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on February 3, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, Chapdelaine grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Chapdelaine started playing the guitar at the age of eight and quickly developed a passion for classical music. Chapdelaine's early musical education was primarily self-taught. He spent countless hours listening to recordings of classical guitarists such as Andres Segovia, Julian Bream, and John Williams. He also attended concerts and masterclasses by these musicians whenever they were in town. Chapdelaine's dedication to his craft paid off when he won his first guitar competition at the age of 15. After completing high school, Chapdelaine attended California State University, Northridge, where he studied classical guitar with Ronald Purcell. He also studied composition with Aurelio de la Vega and orchestration with David Raksin. During this time, Chapdelaine continued to participate in guitar competitions and won several prestigious awards, including the Guitar Foundation of America's International Solo Competition in 1981. In 1985, Chapdelaine moved to New York City to pursue a career as a performer and educator. He quickly established himself as one of the leading classical guitarists in the city and began performing regularly at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He also taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music. Chapdelaine's performances are known for their technical virtuosity and emotional depth. He has a unique ability to bring out the nuances and subtleties of each piece he plays, whether it is a Bach fugue or a contemporary composition. His repertoire includes works by some of the greatest composers in the classical guitar canon, such as Francisco Tarrega, Fernando Sor, and Heitor Villa-Lobos. In addition to his performances, Chapdelaine is also a prolific composer. He has written numerous works for solo guitar, as well as chamber music and orchestral pieces. His compositions are characterized by their intricate harmonies and rhythmic complexity, as well as their lyrical beauty. Chapdelaine's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to his Guitar Foundation of America award, he has also won the National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Fellowship and the Silver Medal at the Concours International de Guitare in Paris. He has also been a finalist in the prestigious Naumburg International Competition. Chapdelaine's recordings have also received critical acclaim. His album "Spanish Gardens" was named one of the top ten classical guitar recordings of all time by "Classical Guitar" magazine. His other recordings include "Portrait," "Images," and "Fiesta." In addition to his performing and composing career, Chapdelaine is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at several universities and conservatories, including the University of New Mexico and the University of Colorado at Denver. He is currently a professor of music at the University of New Mexico, where he teaches guitar and composition. Chapdelaine's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant and far-reaching.

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