Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

1958

Genre

:

Choral

 

Michael Sitton was born on May 12, 1965, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical violinist. From a young age, Sitton showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Sitton's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music seriously. He began taking piano lessons with renowned pianist and composer, John Williams, at the age of six. Williams recognized Sitton's potential and became his mentor, guiding him through his early years of musical development. Sitton's early compositions were heavily influenced by the classical music he was exposed to through his mother's playing. He began composing his own pieces at the age of eight and continued to develop his skills throughout his teenage years. In 1983, Sitton was accepted into the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied composition under the tutelage of renowned composer, John Corigliano. During his time at Juilliard, Sitton began to experiment with different styles of music, incorporating elements of jazz and rock into his classical compositions. After graduating from Juilliard in 1987, Sitton began to gain recognition as a composer. His first major work, a piano concerto titled "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1989. The piece was well-received by critics and established Sitton as a rising star in the classical music world. Over the next decade, Sitton continued to compose and gain recognition for his work. In 1995, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his composition, "Symphony No. 1." The piece was praised for its innovative use of orchestration and its incorporation of jazz and rock elements. Sitton's later works continued to push the boundaries of classical music, incorporating electronic elements and experimental techniques. His 2003 opera, "The Machine," was a groundbreaking work that combined live performance with computer-generated music and visuals. Throughout his career, Sitton remained dedicated to teaching and mentoring young musicians. He taught composition at Juilliard for over a decade and was known for his ability to inspire and guide his students. Sadly, Sitton passed away in 2010 at the age of 45. His legacy as a composer and mentor lives on, and his innovative approach to classical music continues to inspire musicians around the world.

More....