Role

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Composer Conductor  

Birth

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January 27, 1942 in Prague, Czech Republic

 

Petr Kotik is a Czech-American composer, conductor, and flutist who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on August 30, 1942, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Kotik began his musical journey at a young age. He studied flute at the Prague Conservatory and later at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where he also studied composition with Alois Hába. In the early 1960s, Kotik became involved with the Fluxus movement, a group of artists and musicians who sought to break down the boundaries between art and everyday life. He collaborated with artists such as George Maciunas, Nam June Paik, and Yoko Ono, and his work was featured in Fluxus festivals and exhibitions around the world. In 1969, Kotik moved to New York City, where he continued to explore new forms of music and art. He founded the S.E.M. Ensemble in 1970, which quickly became known for its innovative performances of contemporary classical music. The ensemble has premiered works by many leading composers, including John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Christian Wolff. Kotik's own compositions are characterized by their experimental and unconventional approach to sound. He has written works for a variety of instruments and ensembles, including chamber music, orchestral works, and operas. His music often incorporates extended techniques and non-traditional forms of notation, such as graphic scores. One of Kotik's most significant works is his opera "Master-Pieces," which premiered in 1992 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The opera is based on the life and work of Marcel Duchamp, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The score incorporates elements of Duchamp's art, including his use of chance and randomness. Kotik has also been recognized for his work as a conductor. He has led many orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Czech Philharmonic, the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the S.E.M. Ensemble. He has been praised for his ability to bring out the unique qualities of each piece of music he conducts, and for his commitment to promoting new and experimental works. Throughout his career, Kotik has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to contemporary classical music. In 2014, he was awarded the John Cage Award by the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to experimental music. He has also been awarded grants and fellowships from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation. Today, Kotik continues to be an active composer, conductor, and performer. He is a professor of music at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses on contemporary music and performance. His work continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world, and he remains a leading figure in the world of experimental classical music.

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