Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1936

Death

:

October 9, 2008

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Milan Kymlicka was a Czech-Canadian composer and pianist who was born on October 18, 1936, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He was the son of a prominent Czech composer, Jan Kymlicka, who was a professor at the Prague Conservatory. Milan Kymlicka grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He studied at the Prague Conservatory and later at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where he received his degree in composition. In 1968, Kymlicka emigrated to Canada with his wife and children. He settled in Toronto and became a Canadian citizen in 1974. Kymlicka quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the Canadian music scene, both as a composer and as a pianist. He was a professor of composition at the University of Toronto from 1972 to 2001, and he also served as the director of the Canadian Music Centre from 1985 to 1990. Kymlicka's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate textures. He was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and folk music. His compositions include works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, solo instruments, and voice. Some of his most notable works include his Piano Concerto No. 1, which was premiered by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1974, and his String Quartet No. 2, which was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1979. Kymlicka was also a prolific composer of film and television music. He wrote the scores for numerous Canadian films and television shows, including the popular CBC series "Road to Avonlea." His film music is characterized by its lush orchestration and its ability to capture the emotional depth of the stories being told on screen. In addition to his work as a composer, Kymlicka was also an accomplished pianist. He performed extensively throughout Canada and Europe, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Czech composers, including his father Jan Kymlicka. Kymlicka received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a member of the Order of Canada. He also received the Canadian Music Council's Composer of the Year award in 1976 and the Toronto Arts Award for Music in 1991. Milan Kymlicka passed away on June 7, 2008, at the age of 71. He left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world. His contributions to the Canadian music scene have been significant, and his music remains an important part of the country's cultural heritage.

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