Role

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Composer

Genre

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Concerto

 

Eve de Castro-Robinson is a prominent New Zealand composer who has made significant contributions to the classical music scene. Born in Auckland in 1956, she grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer, so music was always a part of her life. De Castro-Robinson began her musical education at the University of Auckland, where she studied composition with John Rimmer and Douglas Lilburn. She later went on to complete a PhD in composition at the University of York in England, where she studied with David Blake and Bernard Rands. Throughout her career, de Castro-Robinson has been recognized for her innovative and experimental approach to composition. Her works often incorporate elements of improvisation, extended techniques, and unconventional instrumentation. She has also been known to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including literature, visual art, and the natural world. One of de Castro-Robinson's most notable works is her 1996 composition "Releasing the Angel," which was commissioned by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. The piece is a tribute to the late New Zealand composer Jack Body and features a solo cello accompanied by a large orchestra. The work has been praised for its emotional depth and intricate orchestration. Another significant work by de Castro-Robinson is her 2008 composition "The Gristle of Knuckles," which was commissioned by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. The piece is a concerto for percussion and orchestra and features a wide range of percussion instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, and glockenspiel. The work has been praised for its rhythmic complexity and virtuosic solo passages. In addition to her work as a composer, de Castro-Robinson has also been an influential figure in the New Zealand music community. She has served as the head of composition at the University of Auckland and has been a mentor to many young composers. She has also been involved in numerous music organizations, including the Composers Association of New Zealand and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Overall, Eve de Castro-Robinson is a highly respected composer who has made significant contributions to the classical music scene. Her innovative and experimental approach to composition has earned her numerous accolades and has helped to shape the direction of contemporary classical music.

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