Xavier Foley is a renowned double bassist and composer who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on February 5, 1994, in Marietta, Georgia, Foley grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz bassist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Foley started playing the double bass at the age of 11 and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Foley's early musical education was at the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, where he was a member for six years. He also attended the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Talent Development Program, which provided him with the opportunity to study with some of the best musicians in the country. Foley went on to attend the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied with renowned double bassist Edgar Meyer. Foley's talent as a double bassist quickly became apparent, and he began to receive recognition for his performances. In 2014, he won first prize in the Sphinx Competition, a prestigious competition for young black and Latino classical musicians. The following year, he won the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, which led to his debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in 2016. Since then, Foley has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed at major music festivals, such as the Marlboro Music Festival and the Aspen Music Festival. In addition to his performances as a double bassist, Foley is also an accomplished composer. He has written works for solo double bass, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. His compositions have been performed by the Sphinx Virtuosi, the Harlem Quartet, and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, among others. Foley's compositions often draw on his diverse musical influences, which range from classical music to jazz and hip-hop. He has said that he is inspired by the music of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, as well as by jazz bassists such as Ray Brown and Ron Carter. Foley's talent as a double bassist and composer has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2018, he was awarded a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise for the future. He was also named a recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, which recognizes extraordinary achievement and leadership in classical music. Foley's career continues to flourish, and he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young musicians in classical music today. He is known for his virtuosic playing, his innovative compositions, and his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in classical music. With his talent and passion, Foley is sure to continue making a significant impact on the world of classical music for years to come.

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