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John Shea, also known as Michael Shea, was a classical music composer born on October 10, 1953, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Shea began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Shea attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition under the guidance of renowned composers such as Milton Babbitt and Elliott Carter. He also studied piano with Adele Marcus and chamber music with Felix Galimir. After completing his studies at Juilliard, Shea began his career as a composer, writing music for various ensembles and orchestras. His early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde movement, with complex rhythms and dissonant harmonies. One of Shea's early works, "String Quartet No. 1," was premiered by the Arditti Quartet in 1982. The piece was well-received by critics and established Shea as a promising young composer. In the 1990s, Shea's style began to shift towards a more tonal and accessible sound. He began incorporating elements of jazz and popular music into his compositions, creating a unique blend of styles. One of Shea's most notable works from this period is "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1995. The piece features a virtuosic piano part and a lush orchestral accompaniment, showcasing Shea's skill as a composer. Shea continued to write music throughout the 2000s and 2010s, with works such as "Symphony No. 2" and "Piano Sonata No. 3" receiving critical acclaim. In addition to his work as a composer, Shea was also a respected music educator. He taught composition at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School, and was known for his dedication to his students. Sadly, Shea passed away on January 28, 2021, at the age of 67. He leaves behind a legacy of innovative and expressive music, and will be remembered as one of the most important composers of his generation.

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