Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1958

 

Rodney Sharman is a Canadian composer, born on October 22, 1958, in Vancouver, British Columbia. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a composer. Sharman began playing the piano at a young age and later studied composition at the University of British Columbia, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1980. After completing his undergraduate studies, Sharman continued his education at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned his Master of Arts degree in 1982 and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1986. While at UCSD, Sharman studied with renowned composers such as Roger Reynolds, Bernard Rands, and Joji Yuasa. Sharman's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde and experimental music of the 20th century. His compositions often featured unconventional instrumentation and extended techniques, such as his 1984 piece "The Gardens of Anne Hathaway," which was written for soprano, flute, and percussion and featured the use of a water gong. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Sharman's music began to shift towards a more tonal and accessible style. This change was evident in works such as his 1990 piece "The Vanishing Pavilions," which was written for string quartet and featured lush harmonies and melodic themes. Throughout his career, Sharman has been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1990, he was awarded the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music for his piece "The Vanishing Pavilions." He has also been the recipient of numerous grants and awards from organizations such as the Canada Council for the Arts and the British Columbia Arts Council. One of Sharman's most notable works is his 2005 opera "Elsewhereless," which was commissioned by the Vancouver Opera. The opera tells the story of a woman who becomes lost in a dream world and must find her way back to reality. The piece features a libretto by Canadian poet and novelist Anne Michaels and has been praised for its hauntingly beautiful music and imaginative staging. In addition to his work as a composer, Sharman is also an accomplished pianist and has performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician. He has recorded several albums of his own music, as well as works by other composers. Sharman's music continues to be performed and celebrated around the world. His unique blend of avant-garde experimentation and tonal accessibility has earned him a place among the most important composers of his generation.

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