Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1986

 

Daniel Elder is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on December 16, 1986, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a singer. Elder started playing the piano at the age of five and began composing music when he was just eight years old. Elder attended the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at the University of Texas at Austin. During his time at these universities, Elder studied under renowned composers such as William Davis, Donald Grantham, and Dan Welcher. Elder's music is known for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. He draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including literature, nature, and personal experiences. His compositions often feature lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and intricate textures. One of Elder's most well-known works is his choral piece "Ballade to the Moon." This piece was commissioned by the Georgia Music Educators Association and premiered in 2011. "Ballade to the Moon" is a hauntingly beautiful piece that features a solo soprano voice and a choir. The lyrics, which were written by Elder himself, are based on a poem by Sara Teasdale. Another notable work by Elder is his choral piece "Three Nocturnes." This piece was commissioned by the Texas Choral Directors Association and premiered in 2014. "Three Nocturnes" is a set of three pieces that are meant to be performed together. Each piece is based on a different poem and explores a different aspect of the night. Elder's music has been performed by a variety of ensembles, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He has also received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the American Prize in Composition. In addition to his work as a composer, Elder is also an active conductor and educator. He has served as the director of music at several churches and has taught music theory and composition at the University of Texas at Austin. Overall, Daniel Elder is a talented and accomplished composer whose music has touched the hearts of audiences around the world. His ability to tell powerful stories through music has earned him a place among the most respected composers of his generation.

More....