Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 14, 1956 in Harlingen, TX

 

Beth Nielsen Chapman is a renowned American singer-songwriter and composer, known for her contributions to the world of classical music. Born on September 14, 1958, in Harlingen, Texas, Chapman grew up in a musical family. Her father was a trumpeter and her mother was a singer, and they both encouraged her to pursue music from a young age. Chapman began playing the guitar and writing songs when she was just 11 years old. She was heavily influenced by the folk music of the 1960s and 70s, as well as the country music of her home state of Texas. She began performing in local coffeehouses and clubs, and eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career in music. In the early 1980s, Chapman began writing songs for other artists, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Bette Midler. She also released her own albums, which were a mix of folk, country, and pop music. However, it was her work as a composer for film and television that brought her to the attention of the classical music world. Chapman's first major composition was for the 1990 film The Prince of Tides, directed by Barbra Streisand. She wrote the song "In the Time of Roses" for the film, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. This led to more opportunities to compose for film and television, including the theme song for the television series Party of Five. In addition to her work in film and television, Chapman has also composed several classical works. In 2002, she released the album Deeper Still, which featured her compositions for string quartet and piano. The album was well-received by critics and showcased Chapman's talent for writing classical music. One of Chapman's most notable classical works is her oratorio, "The Mighty Sky," which was commissioned by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2012. The piece is a celebration of the natural world and features a choir, soloists, and orchestra. It has been performed by several orchestras around the world, including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Chapman's other classical works include "Hymns," a collection of hymns arranged for piano and string quartet, and "Prayers of the Heart," a collection of choral works. She has also collaborated with several classical musicians, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist George Winston. Throughout her career, Chapman has received numerous awards and accolades for her work as a composer and songwriter. She has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 1991 and Best Country Song in 1998. She has also been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame. In addition to her music career, Chapman is also an advocate for cancer research and awareness. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and underwent treatment, which inspired her to become involved in cancer-related causes. She has written several songs about her experience with cancer, including "Sand and Water," which has become a popular anthem for cancer survivors. In conclusion, Beth Nielsen Chapman is a talented composer and songwriter who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her work in film and television has brought her music to a wider audience, while her classical compositions have showcased her versatility as a composer. Her advocacy for cancer research and awareness has also made her a respected figure in the music industry and beyond.

More....