Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

1951 in Cambridge, MA

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

Kitty Brazelton is a renowned American composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 14, 1953, in New York City, Brazelton grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, a jazz pianist, and her mother, a classical pianist, instilled in her a love for music from an early age. Brazelton began her musical training at the age of five, studying piano and voice. She later learned to play the guitar, bass, and drums, and began composing her own music. In 1975, she graduated from Barnard College with a degree in music composition. After college, Brazelton began performing with various bands and ensembles, including the avant-garde rock band The Waitresses. She also worked as a session musician and composer for film and television. In 1985, she formed her own ensemble, the Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street, which performed a mix of classical, jazz, and rock music. Brazelton's early compositions were heavily influenced by rock and jazz music, but she soon began to incorporate classical elements into her work. Her compositions are known for their complex harmonies, unconventional instrumentation, and use of extended techniques. One of Brazelton's most notable works is her opera "Vanessa and the Vanguard," which premiered in 1994 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The opera tells the story of a young woman who is transported to a parallel universe where she must confront her fears and insecurities. The music is a blend of classical, jazz, and rock styles, and features a large ensemble of musicians and vocalists. Brazelton has also composed numerous chamber works, including "Chamber Music for the Inner Ear," which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet in 1991. The piece features a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments, and explores the concept of sound as a physical and emotional experience. In addition to her work as a composer, Brazelton is also a highly regarded vocalist. She has performed with a number of ensembles, including the Philip Glass Ensemble and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. Her vocal style is characterized by its versatility and range, and she is known for her ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles. Brazelton has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1995 and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2001. She has also been a resident composer at a number of prestigious institutions, including the MacDowell Colony and the American Academy in Rome. Throughout her career, Brazelton has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new and innovative ways of creating and performing music. Her work has inspired countless musicians and composers, and she continues to be a leading figure in the world of contemporary classical music.

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