Role

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Composer

Birth

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1983 in Richmond, VA

 

Zachary Wadsworth is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1983 in Erie, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a singer. Wadsworth began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and guitar. He attended the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. After completing his undergraduate studies, Wadsworth went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the Yale School of Music. During his time at Yale, he studied with composers such as Martin Bresnick, David Lang, and Christopher Theofanidis. He also had the opportunity to work with renowned composers such as John Adams and Steve Reich. Wadsworth's music is known for its lyricism, emotional depth, and innovative use of harmony and rhythm. His compositions often draw inspiration from literature, poetry, and visual art. He has written works for a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, chamber ensemble, choir, and solo instruments. One of Wadsworth's most notable works is his opera, "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat," which is based on the book of the same name by Oliver Sacks. The opera tells the story of a man who suffers from a neurological disorder that causes him to mistake objects for other things. The work premiered in 2013 at the Boston University Opera Institute and has since been performed at several other venues. Another notable work by Wadsworth is his choral piece, "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer," which is based on the poem by Walt Whitman. The piece was commissioned by the Yale Glee Club and premiered in 2010. It has since been performed by several other choirs, including the Harvard Glee Club and the New York Virtuoso Singers. Wadsworth has also written several works for orchestra, including his "Symphony No. 1," which was commissioned by the Erie Philharmonic and premiered in 2015. The work is a tribute to Wadsworth's hometown of Erie and features themes inspired by the city's history and culture. In addition to his work as a composer, Wadsworth is also an educator. He has taught composition at several institutions, including Williams College, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Curtis Institute of Music. He has also served as a guest lecturer and composer-in-residence at several universities and music festivals. Overall, Zachary Wadsworth is a talented and innovative composer whose works have been performed by some of the world's leading ensembles. His music is known for its emotional depth and innovative use of harmony and rhythm, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the contemporary classical music scene.

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