Role

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Composer

Birth

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July 16, 1956 in Chicago, IL

 

Regina Harris Baiocchi is a renowned classical music composer, educator, and author. She was born on August 17, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents who were both musicians. Her father, William Harris, was a jazz pianist, and her mother, Lillian Harris, was a classical pianist. Growing up in a musical family, Baiocchi was exposed to various genres of music, which influenced her compositions. Baiocchi began her musical journey at the age of six when she started playing the piano. She later learned to play the violin and the viola. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition and Theory. She also holds a Master of Music degree in Composition from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Baiocchi's compositions are known for their unique blend of classical, jazz, and African-American musical traditions. Her works often explore themes of social justice, spirituality, and the African-American experience. She has composed music for various ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. One of Baiocchi's most notable works is her opera, "The Caged Bird Sings," which is based on the life of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. The opera premiered in 2010 at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago and was later performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The opera received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and Baiocchi's masterful composition. Another significant work by Baiocchi is her oratorio, "The Passion of Mary," which tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus from the perspective of his mother, Mary. The oratorio premiered in 2018 at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel in Chicago and featured a 100-voice choir, soloists, and a chamber orchestra. The work was praised for its emotional depth and Baiocchi's ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly. Baiocchi has also composed music for dance, including the ballet "The Legend of Annie Christmas," which tells the story of a legendary African-American female pirate. The ballet premiered in 2015 at the Harris Theater in Chicago and was performed by the Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. Baiocchi's music was praised for its ability to capture the spirit of the story and enhance the dancers' movements. In addition to her work as a composer, Baiocchi is also an educator and author. She has taught music composition and theory at various universities, including Columbia College Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has also written several books, including "The Composer's Guide to Music Publishing," which provides guidance for composers on how to navigate the music publishing industry. Baiocchi's contributions to classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She was awarded the Illinois Arts Council Fellowship in Music Composition in 1995 and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Artist Fellowship in Music Composition in 2001. She was also named a Chicagoan of the Year in the Arts by the Chicago Tribune in 2010. In conclusion, Regina Harris Baiocchi is a talented and accomplished classical music composer whose works have been praised for their unique blend of musical styles and powerful storytelling. Her compositions explore themes of social justice, spirituality, and the African-American experience. She is also an educator and author who has made significant contributions to the music industry.

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