Role

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Composer  

Birth

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1954

Genre

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Band

 

 

Chamber

 

David Balakrishnan is a renowned American composer and violinist, best known for his contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on June 22, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, Balakrishnan grew up in a family of musicians. His father, V. Lakshminarayana, was a renowned Indian violinist, while his mother, Srimati Kamala, was a singer and dancer. Balakrishnan began his musical journey at a young age, learning to play the violin from his father. He was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including Indian classical music, jazz, and Western classical music. Balakrishnan's early training in Indian classical music had a profound impact on his musical style, and he often incorporates elements of Indian music into his compositions. Balakrishnan attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. He later went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. During his time at Michigan, Balakrishnan studied with renowned composer William Bolcom, who had a significant influence on his musical style. Balakrishnan's career as a composer began in the 1980s, when he co-founded the Turtle Island String Quartet. The quartet, which is known for its innovative blend of jazz, classical, and world music, quickly gained a following and has since released numerous albums and performed at venues around the world. Balakrishnan's compositions for the Turtle Island String Quartet have been widely praised for their originality and creativity. His works often incorporate elements of jazz and world music, as well as classical music. Some of his most notable compositions for the quartet include "Tree of Life," "Confetti Man," and "The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires." In addition to his work with the Turtle Island String Quartet, Balakrishnan has also composed works for other ensembles and soloists. His compositions have been performed by the Kronos Quartet, the Ying Quartet, and the St. Lawrence String Quartet, among others. Balakrishnan's compositions often explore themes of cultural identity and the intersection of different musical traditions. He has been praised for his ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and create works that are both innovative and accessible. In addition to his work as a composer, Balakrishnan is also an accomplished violinist. He has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including jazz pianist Chick Corea and Indian classical musician Zakir Hussain. Balakrishnan's contributions to the world of contemporary classical music have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards and honors, including a Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album for the Turtle Island String Quartet's album "4 + Four." Overall, David Balakrishnan's career as a composer and violinist has been marked by a commitment to innovation and creativity. His works have pushed the boundaries of classical music and have helped to create a new and exciting musical landscape.

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