Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Carolyn Jennings is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for her unique style and innovative approach to composition. Born on August 28, 1936, in New York City, Jennings grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a composer and her mother was a pianist, and they both encouraged her to pursue music from a young age. Jennings began her musical education at the age of six, studying piano and theory with her mother. She later attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where she studied composition with Vittorio Giannini. After graduating, she went on to study at the Juilliard School, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. Throughout her career, Jennings has composed a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, choral music, and operas. Her music is known for its intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and use of unconventional instruments and sounds. One of Jennings' most notable works is her opera "The Queen of Carthage," which premiered in 1985 at the Houston Grand Opera. The opera is based on the story of Dido and Aeneas from Virgil's "Aeneid," and features a libretto by the poet Yusef Komunyakaa. The opera was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and helped establish Jennings as a major figure in contemporary opera. Another notable work by Jennings is her "Concerto for Viola and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered in 1993. The concerto features a solo viola part that is both virtuosic and lyrical, and showcases Jennings' skill at writing for orchestral instruments. Jennings has also composed a number of choral works, including "The Seven Last Words of Christ," which was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1994. The work is a setting of the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross, and features a large chorus and orchestra. The piece is notable for its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which create a sense of tension and drama. In addition to her work as a composer, Jennings has also been an influential teacher and mentor to many young musicians. She has taught at a number of institutions, including the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of Michigan. Her students have gone on to successful careers as composers, performers, and educators. Throughout her career, Jennings has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. She has been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation, and has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Her music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and she continues to be a major force in contemporary classical music.

More....