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Taylor Brook is a Canadian composer of contemporary classical music. He was born in 1985 in Edmonton, Alberta, and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist and his father was a composer and music professor. Brook began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and bass. Brook studied music at the University of Alberta, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to pursue graduate studies at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned a Master of Music degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition. Brook's music is characterized by its intricate rhythms, complex harmonies, and use of extended techniques. He often incorporates elements of jazz and rock music into his compositions, as well as influences from non-Western musical traditions. One of Brook's early works is his String Quartet No. 1, which was composed in 2008. The piece is notable for its use of microtonal tuning, which creates a unique and otherworldly sound. The quartet has been performed by ensembles such as the JACK Quartet and the Bozzini Quartet. Another notable work by Brook is his solo guitar piece, Motormouth, which was composed in 2011. The piece is a virtuosic tour-de-force that showcases the guitar's full range of techniques and sounds. It has been performed by guitarists such as Daniel Lippel and Seth Josel. In 2014, Brook composed his first opera, The Black Clown, which is based on the poem by Langston Hughes. The opera tells the story of a young black man who struggles to find his place in a society that is hostile to his race. The piece features a mix of operatic singing and spoken word, as well as a jazz-influenced score. The Black Clown has been performed by the American Repertory Theater and the National Sawdust Opera. Brook's most recent work is his Piano Concerto, which was composed in 2019. The piece is a collaboration with pianist Vicky Chow and the American Composers Orchestra. The concerto features a virtuosic solo part for the piano, as well as a complex and colorful orchestral score. The piece was premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York City in March 2020. In addition to his work as a composer, Brook is also an active performer and improviser. He has performed with ensembles such as the International Contemporary Ensemble and the Wet Ink Ensemble, and has collaborated with musicians such as saxophonist Steve Lehman and guitarist Mary Halvorson. Brook has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Gaudeamus Award, and the Rome Prize. He has also been commissioned by organizations such as the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Kronos Quartet. Overall, Taylor Brook is a composer who is pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music with his innovative and genre-defying works. His music is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging, and he is sure to continue making an impact on the world of classical music for years to come.

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