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Michael Ching is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his operas, choral works, and orchestral compositions. Born on September 29, 1958, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Ching grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he developed a passion for music at an early age. Ching's musical journey began when he started playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone, and by the time he was in high school, he was already composing his own music. Ching attended Duke University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music composition in 1980. He then went on to study at Indiana University, where he received a Master of Music degree in composition in 1984. After completing his studies, Ching worked as a freelance composer, writing music for various ensembles and organizations. He also served as the composer-in-residence for the Opera Memphis from 1992 to 2010, where he wrote several operas that were performed to critical acclaim. One of Ching's most famous works is his opera "Buoso's Ghost," which premiered in 1996. The opera is based on the character of Buoso Donati from Dante's "Inferno" and tells the story of his ghost seeking revenge on his greedy relatives. The opera has been performed by numerous opera companies across the United States and has received widespread praise for its witty libretto and engaging music. Another notable work by Ching is his opera "Speed Dating Tonight!," which premiered in 2013. The opera is a comedic take on the modern dating scene and features a diverse cast of characters looking for love. The opera has been performed by numerous opera companies and has been praised for its relatable characters and catchy music. In addition to his operas, Ching has also written several choral works, including "A Midwinter Night's Dream," which premiered in 2005. The work is a setting of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and features a mix of classical and contemporary music styles. The work has been performed by numerous choirs and has been praised for its inventive use of text and music. Ching has also written several orchestral works, including "The Emperor's Nightingale," which premiered in 2011. The work is based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and features a mix of classical and Chinese music styles. The work has been performed by several orchestras and has been praised for its lush orchestration and evocative storytelling. Throughout his career, Ching has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 2010, he was awarded the Opera America Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his work as a composer and educator. He has also been a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship and the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award. In addition to his work as a composer, Ching has also been an active educator, teaching at several universities and music schools. He has served as a professor of music at the University of Memphis and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. He has also been a guest lecturer and composer-in-residence at several universities and music festivals. In conclusion, Michael Ching is a highly respected composer of classical music, known for his engaging operas, choral works, and orchestral compositions.

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