Role

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Composer

Birth

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December 5, 1968 in Breda, The Netherlands

 

Robin de Raaff is a Dutch composer who was born on December 28, 1968, in Oegstgeest, Netherlands. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a conductor and his mother a pianist. De Raaff started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the violin and the guitar. He was also interested in composing music from a young age and started writing his own pieces when he was just 12 years old. De Raaff studied composition at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, where he was taught by Louis Andriessen and Diderik Wagenaar. He also studied at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in music. During his studies, De Raaff was awarded several prizes and scholarships, including the prestigious Kranichsteiner Musikpreis in 1996. De Raaff's music is characterized by its complexity and its use of modern techniques, such as microtonality and extended techniques. His works often explore philosophical and scientific themes, and he has collaborated with scientists and philosophers on several projects. De Raaff's music has been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Ensemble Intercontemporain. One of De Raaff's most notable works is his opera "Raaff," which premiered in 2004 at the Dutch National Opera. The opera is based on the life of the Dutch poet and playwright Willem van Haren and explores themes of power, love, and betrayal. The opera was well-received by critics and has been performed in several countries, including Germany, Austria, and the United States. Another notable work by De Raaff is his violin concerto, which was commissioned by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and premiered in 2010. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases the technical abilities of the soloist and features complex rhythms and harmonies. The piece has been performed by several leading violinists, including Janine Jansen and Simone Lamsma. De Raaff has also written several chamber works, including a string quartet and a piano trio. His chamber music often explores the relationships between the instruments and the ways in which they can interact and blend together. His music has been praised for its originality and its ability to create new sounds and textures. In addition to his work as a composer, De Raaff is also a teacher and has taught composition at several institutions, including the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and the University of California, San Diego. He has also served as a guest lecturer and has given masterclasses around the world. De Raaff's music has been recognized with several awards and honors, including the Matthijs Vermeulen Prize, the Gaudeamus Prize, and the Amsterdam Prize for the Arts. He is considered one of the leading composers of his generation and his music continues to be performed and admired by audiences around the world.

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