Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

1957

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Hayes Biggs is a contemporary American composer of classical music. He was born on December 5, 1957, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Biggs grew up in a musical family, with his father being a church organist and his mother a pianist. He began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. Biggs attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to study at the Yale School of Music, where he received a Master of Music degree in composition. He also studied at the University of Chicago, where he earned a Ph.D. in composition. Biggs has composed a wide range of works, including chamber music, choral music, and orchestral music. His compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles, including the New York New Music Ensemble, the Da Capo Chamber Players, and the American Composers Orchestra. One of Biggs' most notable works is his choral piece "Ave Formosissima," which was commissioned by the Dale Warland Singers and premiered in 1995. The piece is based on a medieval Latin text and features intricate harmonies and rhythms. It has since been performed by numerous choirs around the world. Another notable work by Biggs is his chamber piece "Crossroads," which was commissioned by the New York New Music Ensemble and premiered in 1998. The piece features a unique combination of instruments, including flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. It has been praised for its intricate textures and use of extended techniques. Biggs has also composed several works for orchestra, including his piece "Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman," which was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra and premiered in 2000. The piece is a tribute to the composer Joan Tower and features bold brass and percussion writing. In addition to his work as a composer, Biggs is also a professor of music at City College of New York. He has taught composition, music theory, and music history at the college since 1990. Overall, Hayes Biggs is a highly respected composer of contemporary classical music. His works are known for their intricate harmonies, rhythms, and textures, and have been performed by numerous ensembles around the world.

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