Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1977

 

Kola Owolabi is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. Born in 1970 in Nigeria, Owolabi grew up in a family that valued education and music. His father was a professor of music, and his mother was a music teacher. As a result, Owolabi was exposed to music at a young age and began playing the piano at the age of four. Owolabi's passion for music continued to grow, and he eventually decided to pursue a career in music. He attended the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music. Throughout his career, Owolabi has been recognized for his exceptional talent and has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1999, he won the prestigious American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition, which helped to launch his career. He has also been a finalist in several other competitions, including the Calgary International Organ Competition and the Dublin International Organ Competition. Owolabi has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. He has also performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra. One of Owolabi's most notable performances was his debut recital at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles in 2004. The concert was highly acclaimed, and the Los Angeles Times praised Owolabi's "virtuosic technique and musical sensitivity." He has also performed at several international music festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Spoleto Festival USA, and the Oregon Bach Festival. In addition to his performances, Owolabi is also a respected educator and has taught at several universities, including the University of Michigan, Syracuse University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. He is currently the head of the organ department at the University of Notre Dame. Owolabi's repertoire is diverse and includes works from a wide range of composers, including Bach, Mozart, and Messiaen. He is also known for his improvisational skills and has been praised for his ability to create music on the spot. In 2017, Owolabi released his debut solo album, "Heart and Soul," which features works by Bach, Franck, and Messiaen. The album was well-received and was praised for its "impeccable technique and musicality." Throughout his career, Owolabi has been a champion of classical music and has worked to promote the art form to a wider audience. He has also been a strong advocate for diversity in classical music and has worked to increase the representation of people of color in the field. In conclusion, Kola Owolabi is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. His exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for music have earned him numerous awards and accolades, and his performances have captivated audiences around the world. As an educator and advocate for diversity in classical music, Owolabi has also made a significant contribution to the field and has inspired countless musicians to pursue their dreams.

More....