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Composer  

 

Glen Gillis was a Canadian composer who was born on May 22, 1958, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a singer. Gillis began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1981. After completing his studies, Gillis moved to Toronto to pursue a career in music. He worked as a freelance composer and arranger, writing music for film, television, and advertising. He also worked as a music director for various theater productions and performed as a pianist in jazz clubs. In the early 1990s, Gillis began to focus more on classical composition. He studied with renowned Canadian composer John Weinzweig and received a Master of Music degree from the University of Toronto in 1994. Gillis's early classical works were influenced by jazz and popular music, and he often incorporated these elements into his compositions. One of Gillis's early works, "Jazz Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," was premiered by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1995. The piece was well-received and showcased Gillis's unique blend of classical and jazz styles. He went on to write several more concertos, including "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" and "Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra." Gillis's music was often characterized by its rhythmic complexity and use of unconventional time signatures. He was also known for his use of extended techniques, such as playing inside the piano or using unconventional playing techniques on traditional instruments. In addition to his concertos, Gillis wrote several orchestral works, including "Symphony No. 1" and "Symphony No. 2." He also wrote chamber music, including "String Quartet No. 1" and "Piano Trio No. 1." Gillis's music was performed by many of Canada's leading orchestras, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. His music was also performed internationally, with performances in the United States, Europe, and Asia. In addition to his work as a composer, Gillis was also a respected music educator. He taught composition at the University of Toronto and was a guest lecturer at several other universities and music schools. He was also a mentor to many young composers and was known for his generosity and willingness to help others. Tragically, Glen Gillis passed away on December 28, 2015, at the age of 57. His death was a great loss to the Canadian music community, and he was remembered as a talented composer and a kind and generous person. In conclusion, Glen Gillis was a Canadian composer who made significant contributions to the classical music world. His unique blend of classical and jazz styles, rhythmic complexity, and use of extended techniques made his music stand out. He was also a respected music educator and mentor to many young composers. Although his life was cut short, his music will continue to be performed and appreciated for years to come.

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