Role

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Composer

Birth

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1988 in Reus, Spain

 

Joan Magrané Figuera is a contemporary classical music composer from Catalonia, Spain. He was born on October 14, 1988, in the town of Tarragona, where he grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Joan showed a keen interest in music, and he began studying piano and composition at the age of six. Joan's early musical education was focused on classical music, and he was particularly drawn to the works of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. He also developed an interest in contemporary music, and he began exploring the works of composers such as Ligeti, Boulez, and Stockhausen. In 2006, Joan enrolled in the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC) in Barcelona, where he studied composition with composers such as Agustí Charles and Hèctor Parra. During his time at ESMUC, Joan began to develop his own unique style of composition, which blended elements of classical and contemporary music. His works were characterized by their intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and use of extended techniques. In 2010, Joan received his degree in composition from ESMUC, and he went on to pursue a master's degree in composition at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris. Joan's early works were primarily chamber music pieces, and he quickly gained recognition for his innovative approach to composition. In 2011, he won the Joan Guinjoan International Prize for Young Composers for his piece "Tres estrofes sobre Mallarmé," which was performed by the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. This was followed by a commission from the Ensemble Intercontemporain, which premiered his piece "L'ombra de l'altre mar" in 2012. Over the next few years, Joan continued to receive commissions from some of the world's leading ensembles and orchestras. In 2014, he was commissioned by the Berlin Philharmonic to write a piece for their "Tapas" concert series, which featured works by young composers. Joan's piece, "El jardí de les delícies," was inspired by the famous painting by Hieronymus Bosch, and it was praised for its imaginative use of orchestration and its evocative imagery. In 2015, Joan was awarded the prestigious Gaudeamus Award, which is given annually to young composers who show exceptional talent and promise. This was followed by a commission from the BBC Symphony Orchestra, which premiered his piece "El cant dels ocells" in 2016. This piece was inspired by the Catalan folk song of the same name, and it featured a solo cello accompanied by a large orchestra. Joan's works have been performed by some of the world's leading ensembles and orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Ensemble Modern. He has also collaborated with a number of prominent soloists, including cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras and pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard. In addition to his work as a composer, Joan is also an active educator and advocate for contemporary music. He has taught composition at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. He has also served as a jury member for several international composition competitions, including the Gaudeamus Award and the Toru Takemitsu Composition Award. Joan's music has been praised for its originality, its emotional depth, and its ability to connect with audiences.

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