Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

December 5, 1960 in La Plata, Argentina

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

Osvaldo Golijov is a contemporary classical music composer born on December 5, 1960, in La Plata, Argentina. He grew up in an Eastern European Jewish family, and his parents were both music lovers. His father was a physician and amateur violinist, while his mother was a piano teacher. Golijov started playing the piano at the age of seven and later learned to play the clarinet and guitar. Golijov studied music at the La Plata Conservatory and later at the Jerusalem Rubin Academy in Israel. He then moved to the United States to study at the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts. He also earned a Ph.D. in music from the University of Pennsylvania. Golijov's music is influenced by his multicultural background, incorporating elements of Jewish, Latin American, and classical music. He is known for his use of unconventional instruments and his ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly. One of Golijov's most famous works is "La Pasión según San Marcos" (The Passion According to St. Mark), which premiered in 2000. The piece is a retelling of the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, set to a mix of Latin American rhythms and classical music. The work features a large ensemble of musicians, including a choir, soloists, and percussionists. Another notable work by Golijov is "Ainadamar" (Fountain of Tears), an opera that premiered in 2003. The opera tells the story of the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca and his relationship with the actress Margarita Xirgu. The work features a mix of Spanish and Arabic music and incorporates elements of flamenco dance. Golijov has also composed music for films, including "The Man Who Cried" (2000) and "Youth Without Youth" (2007). He has collaborated with a variety of musicians, including the Kronos Quartet, Yo-Yo Ma, and Dawn Upshaw. In addition to his work as a composer, Golijov has also taught music at various universities, including the College of the Holy Cross and the Boston Conservatory. He has received numerous awards for his work, including a MacArthur Fellowship in 2003. Despite his success, Golijov has faced controversy in recent years. In 2012, he was accused of plagiarism by several musicians who claimed that he had used their work without permission or credit. Golijov denied the allegations and stated that he had been inspired by the musicians' work but had not copied it. Overall, Osvaldo Golijov is a highly regarded composer known for his innovative approach to classical music. His multicultural background and willingness to experiment with different musical styles have made him a unique voice in the world of contemporary classical music.

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