Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

September 20, 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Genre

:

Film

 

Mychael Danna is a Canadian composer known for his work in film and television. He was born on September 20, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. His parents were both musicians, and his father was a composer and conductor. Danna grew up in a musical household and began playing piano at a young age. He later studied music at the University of Toronto, where he earned a degree in composition. Danna began his career as a composer in the 1980s, working on a variety of projects in film, television, and theater. He gained recognition for his work on the Canadian television series "The Kids in the Hall," which aired from 1988 to 1994. Danna composed the show's theme song and also provided music for many of its sketches. In the 1990s, Danna began to work on feature films, starting with the Canadian film "Family Viewing" in 1987. He went on to compose music for a number of Canadian and international films, including "Speaking Parts" (1989), "The Adjuster" (1991), and "Exotica" (1994). Danna's work on "Exotica" earned him a Genie Award for Best Original Score. Danna's breakthrough in Hollywood came in 1997, when he composed the score for the film "The Ice Storm." The film, directed by Ang Lee, was a critical success and earned Danna his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. He went on to receive two more Oscar nominations for his work on the films "Life of Pi" (2012) and "Moneyball" (2011). Danna's music is known for its eclectic mix of styles and influences. He often incorporates elements of world music into his compositions, drawing on his travels and experiences in countries such as India, Morocco, and Indonesia. He is also known for his use of unconventional instruments, such as the glass harmonica and the waterphone. In addition to his work in film and television, Danna has also composed music for the concert hall. He has written works for orchestra, chamber ensemble, and solo instruments, and his music has been performed by ensembles such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Kronos Quartet. One of Danna's most notable works for the concert hall is his "Sirens," a multimedia work for orchestra, choir, and electronics. The piece, which premiered in 2014, was inspired by the mythological creatures of the same name and explores themes of temptation and desire. The work features a large choir, which sings in a variety of languages, as well as electronic sounds and projections. Danna's other notable works for the concert hall include "Tabla Concerto" (2009), a concerto for tabla and orchestra, and "The Man Who Planted Trees" (2012), a suite for narrator and orchestra based on the book by Jean Giono. Danna's music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to his three Academy Award nominations, he has won a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and multiple Genie Awards. He has also been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada. In conclusion, Mychael Danna is a highly accomplished composer known for his work in film, television, and the concert hall. His music is characterized by its eclectic mix of styles and influences, and he is known for his use of unconventional instruments and incorporation of world music. Danna's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the world of classical music.

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