Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1957 in Tehuacán, Mexico

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Hilda Paredes is a Mexican-born composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on November 7, 1957, in Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico, Paredes grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a composer and conductor, and her mother was a pianist. From a young age, Paredes was exposed to music and began to develop a passion for it. Paredes began her formal music education at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, where she studied composition with Mario Lavista. She later went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where she earned a Master of Music degree in composition. During her time in London, Paredes studied with some of the most prominent composers of the time, including Harrison Birtwistle and Peter Maxwell Davies. Paredes' music is characterized by its use of unconventional techniques and sounds. She often incorporates elements of Mexican folk music and culture into her compositions, creating a unique and distinctive sound. Her works are also known for their use of extended techniques, such as microtonality, multiphonics, and glissandi. One of Paredes' most notable works is her opera "Cenotafio de la memoria," which was commissioned by the Festival Internacional Cervantino in 1991. The opera tells the story of a woman who is searching for her lost identity and explores themes of memory, identity, and loss. The work was well-received and helped to establish Paredes as a prominent composer in the contemporary classical music scene. Another notable work by Paredes is "Señales," which was commissioned by the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 2004. The piece is a tribute to the victims of the 2004 Madrid train bombings and features a haunting and somber tone. The work was praised for its emotional depth and powerful message. Paredes has also collaborated with a number of other artists and musicians throughout her career. She has worked with choreographers, visual artists, and filmmakers to create multimedia works that combine music with other art forms. Her collaborations have been featured in festivals and exhibitions around the world. In addition to her work as a composer, Paredes is also a respected educator. She has taught at a number of institutions, including the Royal College of Music in London and the University of Huddersfield in the UK. She has also served as a guest lecturer and composer-in-residence at universities and festivals around the world. Paredes' contributions to the world of contemporary classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has received commissions from prestigious organizations such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Kronos Quartet, and the Arditti Quartet. She has also been awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Fulbright Fellowship, and the Arts Council of England Composer Fellowship. In conclusion, Hilda Paredes is a highly respected composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of contemporary classical music. Her unique and distinctive style, which incorporates elements of Mexican folk music and culture, has earned her a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting composers of her generation. Her works have been performed and celebrated around the world, and her influence on the contemporary classical music scene is sure to continue for many years to come.

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