Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

1942 in Manitoba, Canada

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

Syd Robinovitch is a Canadian composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 23, 1941, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Robinovitch grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which meant that music was a constant presence in his life from an early age. Robinovitch began his musical education at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons. He quickly showed a talent for music, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already composing his own pieces. In 1959, he enrolled at the University of Manitoba, where he studied composition with John Weinzweig, one of Canada's most prominent composers. After completing his undergraduate degree, Robinovitch went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition. While at Juilliard, he studied with some of the most renowned composers of the time, including Vincent Persichetti and Elliott Carter. Robinovitch's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s, which was characterized by its experimental and unconventional approach to composition. However, as he matured as a composer, he began to incorporate more traditional elements into his music, creating a unique style that blended the old and the new. One of Robinovitch's most significant works is his opera, "The Immortal Gentleman," which premiered in 1981. The opera tells the story of a man who is granted immortality but must live with the consequences of his decision. The work was well-received by critics and audiences alike and helped establish Robinovitch as one of Canada's leading composers. Another notable work by Robinovitch is his "Concerto for Viola and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the CBC in 1985. The concerto showcases Robinovitch's ability to blend traditional and modern elements, with its lush orchestration and complex harmonies. The work has since become a staple of the viola repertoire and has been performed by some of the world's leading violists. In addition to his work as a composer, Robinovitch has also been an influential teacher and mentor to many young musicians. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Manitoba, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Victoria. Many of his former students have gone on to have successful careers in music, and Robinovitch's influence can be felt throughout the Canadian classical music scene. Throughout his career, Robinovitch has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1999, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for his contributions to Canadian music. He has also been the recipient of several awards from the Canadian Music Centre, including the Harry Freedman Award for Excellence in Chamber Music and the Jean A. Chalmers National Music Award. In conclusion, Syd Robinovitch is a composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique style, which blends traditional and modern elements, has earned him a reputation as one of Canada's leading composers. His works, including his opera "The Immortal Gentleman" and his "Concerto for Viola and Orchestra," have become staples of the classical music repertoire. Robinovitch's influence can be felt not only in his music but also in the many young musicians he has mentored throughout his career.

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