Role

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Composer

Birth

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1980

 

Joshua Shank is a contemporary American composer of classical music. He was born on August 17, 1980, in Waco, Texas, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church choir director, and his mother was a pianist. Shank began playing the piano at the age of five and started composing music when he was in high school. Shank attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to study at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he received a Master of Music degree in composition. While at Michigan, Shank studied with William Bolcom, Michael Daugherty, and Bright Sheng. Shank's music is characterized by its lyricism, harmonic richness, and emotional depth. He has written works for a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, choir, chamber groups, and solo instruments. His music has been performed by many prominent ensembles, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the American Composers Orchestra. One of Shank's most well-known works is his choral cycle "Musica animam tangens," which was commissioned by the Los Angeles Master Chorale and premiered in 2010. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which sets a different text about music. The music is lush and expressive, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. The cycle has been performed by many choirs around the world and has become a staple of the choral repertoire. Another notable work by Shank is his "Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra and premiered in 2014. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the marimba, with fast and intricate passages that require great skill and dexterity from the soloist. The music is also highly rhythmic, with driving percussion and syncopated rhythms that give the piece a lively and energetic feel. Shank has also written several works for chamber groups, including his "String Quartet No. 1," which was commissioned by the Daedalus Quartet and premiered in 2012. The quartet is a complex and challenging work, with intricate counterpoint and shifting harmonies that create a sense of tension and drama. The music is also highly expressive, with moments of intense emotion and quiet introspection. In addition to his work as a composer, Shank is also an active conductor and educator. He has conducted many of his own works, as well as works by other composers, and has taught composition and music theory at several universities. He is currently an assistant professor of music at Baylor University, where he teaches composition and conducts the Baylor Symphony Orchestra. Overall, Joshua Shank is a talented and accomplished composer whose music has been widely performed and admired. His works are characterized by their lyricism, emotional depth, and technical skill, and he has made significant contributions to the contemporary classical music repertoire. As he continues to compose and teach, it is clear that Shank will remain an important figure in the world of classical music for many years to come.

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