Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

April 24, 1968 in England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

Roxanna Panufnik is a British composer of classical music, known for her unique style that blends traditional and contemporary elements. Born on April 24, 1968, in London, England, she grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, Andrzej Panufnik, was a renowned composer and conductor, and her mother, Camilla Jessel, was a pianist and music teacher. From a young age, Roxanna was exposed to a wide range of musical genres and styles, which helped shape her own musical sensibilities. Roxanna began her formal music education at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she studied composition with John Lambert and piano with Hamish Milne. She later continued her studies at the Royal College of Music, where she earned a degree in composition. During her time at the Royal College of Music, Roxanna was awarded several prestigious prizes, including the Tagore Gold Medal for outstanding achievement in music. After completing her studies, Roxanna began her career as a composer, working on a variety of projects in both the classical and popular music worlds. Her early works were heavily influenced by her father's style, which was characterized by a focus on melody and harmony. However, as she continued to develop her own voice, Roxanna began to incorporate more contemporary elements into her music, such as electronic sounds and unconventional instrumentation. One of Roxanna's most notable works is her choral piece "Westminster Mass," which was commissioned by Westminster Cathedral Choir in 1997. The piece is a modern interpretation of the traditional Catholic Mass, featuring a mix of Latin and English lyrics and incorporating elements of jazz and world music. The piece was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and has since been performed by choirs around the world. Another highlight of Roxanna's career is her collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra on the piece "Love Abide," which was commissioned for the orchestra's 100th anniversary in 2004. The piece is a tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and features a mix of classical and contemporary elements, including a solo cello and electronic sounds. The piece was performed at the Barbican Centre in London and was later recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her work as a composer, Roxanna is also an active performer and conductor. She has conducted several orchestras, including the London Mozart Players and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and has performed as a pianist in a variety of settings. She is also a frequent collaborator with other artists, including the poet Wendy Cope and the choreographer Darshan Singh Bhuller. Throughout her career, Roxanna has been recognized for her contributions to the world of classical music. She has been awarded several prestigious prizes, including the British Composer Award for choral music in 2007 and the BASCA Gold Badge Award in 2018. She has also been commissioned by a variety of organizations, including the BBC, the Royal Opera House, and the London Sinfonietta. Today, Roxanna continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of classical music. Her unique style and innovative approach to composition have earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic composers of her generation. With a career spanning over three decades, she has left an indelible mark on the world of classical music and continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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