Role

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Composer

Birth

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1984

 

David Biedenbender is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on August 5, 1984, in Centralia, Illinois. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a high school band director and his mother a church pianist. Biedenbender began playing the trumpet at a young age and later learned to play the piano and guitar. Biedenbender attended Centralia High School, where he was an active member of the school's music program. He went on to study music at Central Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then pursued a Master of Music degree in composition at the University of Michigan, where he studied with Michael Daugherty and Evan Chambers. Biedenbender's compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also been commissioned by several organizations, including the American Composers Orchestra and the Fromm Music Foundation. One of Biedenbender's most notable works is his piece "Schism," which was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2014. The piece is inspired by the idea of a schism, or a division, and features contrasting musical ideas that gradually come together. The piece has been praised for its intricate rhythms and use of percussion. Another notable work by Biedenbender is his piece "Surface Tension," which was commissioned by the Albany Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2016. The piece is inspired by the idea of surface tension, or the force that holds the surface of a liquid together. The piece features a variety of textures and timbres, including a prominent role for the harp. Biedenbender's music often explores themes related to science and nature. His piece "Dreams in the Dusk," for example, is inspired by the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence, or the ability of certain organisms to produce light. The piece features shimmering textures and ethereal melodies that evoke the mysterious beauty of bioluminescence. In addition to his work as a composer, Biedenbender is also an active educator. He has taught at several universities, including Boise State University and the University of Michigan. He has also served as a guest lecturer and clinician at numerous institutions. Biedenbender's music has been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2012, he was awarded the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He has also been a finalist for the Rome Prize and the Gaudeamus Award. Overall, David Biedenbender is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His music is characterized by its intricate rhythms, imaginative textures, and exploration of scientific and natural themes.

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