Stefan Thut is a Swiss composer, cellist, and conceptual artist who has made significant contributions to the field of contemporary classical music. Born in Solothurn, Switzerland in 1965, Thut began his musical education at a young age, studying cello and composition at the Conservatory of Bern. He later went on to study at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Zurich, where he received his diploma in cello performance. Throughout his career, Thut has been known for his innovative approach to composition, which often involves the use of unconventional materials and techniques. He has also been heavily influenced by the work of John Cage and other experimental composers, and his music often incorporates elements of chance and indeterminacy. One of Thut's most notable works is his "Four and One" series, which consists of a set of compositions for solo cello that explore the relationship between sound and silence. In these pieces, Thut uses a variety of extended techniques to create a range of textures and timbres, often incorporating long periods of silence into the music. Thut has also been involved in a number of collaborative projects throughout his career, working with other composers, performers, and visual artists to create interdisciplinary works that blur the boundaries between different art forms. One such project is his ongoing collaboration with the artist Manfred Werder, which has resulted in a series of site-specific installations and performances that explore the relationship between sound, space, and time. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Thut has also been active as a curator and organizer of experimental music events. He has organized a number of festivals and concert series in Switzerland and elsewhere, and has been involved in the creation of several experimental music collectives, including the Wandelweiser Group and the Edition Wandelweiser record label. Thut's work has been recognized with a number of awards and honors over the years. In 2012, he was awarded the Swiss Music Prize, which is given annually to outstanding musicians and composers in Switzerland. He has also been the recipient of several grants and fellowships, including a residency at the Akademie Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart, Germany. Despite his many accomplishments, Thut remains committed to exploring new avenues of expression and pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music. His work continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world, and he remains one of the most innovative and influential composers of his generation.

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