Role

:

Composer

 

Robert Capanna was an American composer and musician who was born on October 26, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Capanna began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Capanna attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied composition with George Rochberg and George Crumb. He also studied at the Curtis Institute of Music with Richard Wernick and David Loeb. During his time at these institutions, Capanna developed a deep appreciation for classical music and began to explore his own compositional style. In 1976, Capanna co-founded the Network for New Music, a Philadelphia-based contemporary music ensemble that has since become one of the most respected new music groups in the country. Capanna served as the artistic director of the ensemble for over 30 years, during which time he commissioned and premiered hundreds of new works by composers from around the world. Capanna's own compositions are characterized by their intricate harmonies, rhythmic complexity, and use of extended techniques. He was particularly interested in exploring the possibilities of the human voice, and many of his works feature vocalists or choral ensembles. One of Capanna's most notable works is his opera, "The Ghosts of Versailles," which was commissioned by the Philadelphia Opera Company and premiered in 1991. The opera is a reimagining of the final days of Marie Antoinette and features a libretto by playwright William Hoffman. The work was praised for its inventive use of historical material and its lush, romantic score. Another significant work by Capanna is his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1985. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the soloist, with intricate passagework and complex harmonies. The work was praised for its originality and its ability to showcase the full range of the piano. Capanna's other works include numerous chamber music pieces, choral works, and orchestral compositions. He was also a respected educator, teaching composition at the University of Pennsylvania and the Curtis Institute of Music. Capanna passed away on December 20, 2016, at the age of 65. His legacy as a composer and advocate for new music lives on through the Network for New Music and the many musicians and composers he inspired throughout his career.

More....