Role

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Composer

Birth

:

1955

 

Yuval Shaked is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in Israel in 1979. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a composer and his mother a pianist. From a young age, Shaked showed a natural talent for music and began studying piano and composition at the age of six. Shaked continued his musical education at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, where he studied composition with Mark Kopytman and piano with Michael Boguslavsky. He later earned a Master's degree in composition from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he studied with Michael Gandolfi and John Harbison. Shaked's compositions are known for their intricate harmonies, rhythmic complexity, and use of unconventional instruments and sounds. He draws inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, and traditional Middle Eastern music. One of Shaked's early works, "Three Miniatures for Piano," was written when he was just 16 years old. The piece showcases his early talent for composition and features a playful, whimsical style that would become a hallmark of his later works. In 2005, Shaked composed "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. The piece features a virtuosic piano part and a lush orchestral accompaniment, and has been praised for its emotional depth and technical brilliance. Another notable work by Shaked is "The Book of Questions," a song cycle for soprano and chamber ensemble based on the poetry of Pablo Neruda. The piece explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and features haunting melodies and intricate harmonies. In addition to his work as a composer, Shaked is also an accomplished pianist and has performed his own works in concerts around the world. He has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and ensembles, including the Israeli Chamber Orchestra, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and the Arditti Quartet. Shaked's music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the Israeli Prime Minister's Prize for Composers. His works have been performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Overall, Yuval Shaked is a talented and innovative composer whose works have earned him a place among the leading voices in contemporary classical music. His unique style and creative approach to composition continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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