Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

April 13, 1957 in Lafayette, IN

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Mary Ellen Childs is a renowned American composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1957 in Owatonna, Minnesota, Childs grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a high school band director. As a child, Childs was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and rock. Childs began her formal music education at the University of Minnesota, where she studied composition with Dominick Argento and Paul Fetler. She later earned a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music, where she studied with Martin Bresnick and Jacob Druckman. Throughout her career, Childs has been known for her innovative approach to composition. She has created works that blend elements of classical music with other genres, such as rock, jazz, and world music. Her compositions often feature unconventional instrumentation, such as percussion ensembles, string quartets, and vocal ensembles. One of Childs' most notable works is her percussion quartet, "Click." The piece was commissioned by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in 1989 and has since been performed by numerous ensembles around the world. "Click" is a rhythmic and energetic work that showcases Childs' skill at creating complex and intricate rhythms. Another of Childs' notable works is her opera, "Lemuel." The opera was commissioned by the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and premiered in 1996. "Lemuel" is a multimedia work that combines music, dance, and video projections. The opera tells the story of a man who is haunted by the memory of his father's death and his own mortality. In addition to her work as a composer, Childs has also been active as a performer. She has played percussion in numerous ensembles, including the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra. She has also collaborated with other musicians and artists, such as choreographer Joanie Smith and visual artist Ann Hamilton. Childs has received numerous awards and honors for her work as a composer. In 1995, she was awarded a McKnight Fellowship from the Minnesota State Arts Board. In 2001, she was awarded a Bush Foundation Fellowship. She has also been a recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Composers Forum. Today, Childs continues to be an active composer and performer. She is a member of the new music ensemble, Bang on a Can All-Stars, and has performed with the group at venues around the world. She also teaches composition at the University of Minnesota and has mentored numerous young composers over the years. In conclusion, Mary Ellen Childs is a highly respected composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her innovative approach to composition and her willingness to blend elements of different genres have made her a unique and influential voice in the field. Her works, such as "Click" and "Lemuel," continue to be performed and admired by audiences around the world.

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