Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

1960

Genre

:

Choral

 

Michael Bojesen is a Danish conductor, composer, and singer who has made a significant impact on the classical music scene in Denmark and beyond. Born on August 6, 1960, in Copenhagen, Bojesen grew up in a musical family and began singing in choirs at a young age. He studied music at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he received a degree in choral conducting in 1985. Bojesen's career as a conductor began in earnest in the 1980s, when he founded the Copenhagen Boys' Choir. Under his leadership, the choir quickly gained a reputation for excellence and toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. In 1991, Bojesen was appointed conductor of the Danish National Vocal Ensemble, a position he held until 2000. During his tenure, he led the ensemble in numerous performances of both classical and contemporary music, and the group became known for its innovative programming and high artistic standards. In addition to his work as a conductor, Bojesen is also an accomplished composer. He has written music for a wide range of ensembles, including choirs, orchestras, and chamber groups. His compositions are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and inventive use of rhythm and texture. Some of his most notable works include the oratorio "The Birth of Christ," the choral cycle "Songs of Innocence and Experience," and the opera "The Little Mermaid." Bojesen's career has been marked by numerous highlights and accolades. In 1994, he was awarded the prestigious Carl Nielsen Prize for his contributions to Danish music. He has also received the Danish Music Critics' Prize, the Wilhelm Hansen Composer Prize, and the Queen Ingrid Foundation's Culture Prize. In 2010, he was appointed Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog, one of Denmark's highest honors. Bojesen's performances have taken him to some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. He has conducted the Royal Danish Orchestra, the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has also been a guest conductor at the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Berliner Philharmonie. Despite his many accomplishments, Bojesen remains committed to his work as a teacher and mentor. He has taught at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and the University of Copenhagen, and he has served as a guest lecturer and conductor at universities and conservatories around the world. He is also a passionate advocate for music education and has worked to promote the importance of music in schools and communities. In recent years, Bojesen has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, exploring new forms and styles while remaining true to his roots in choral music. He has collaborated with artists from a wide range of genres, including jazz, rock, and electronic music, and has experimented with multimedia and interactive performances. Through it all, he has remained a passionate and dedicated advocate for the power of music to inspire, uplift, and transform lives.

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