Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Estonia

Birth

:

September 9, 1960 in Rapla, Estonia

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Urmas Sisask is a renowned Estonian composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on September 9, 1960, in Tallinn, Estonia, Sisask grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a choir conductor, and his mother was a music teacher. This early exposure to music played a significant role in shaping Sisask's musical career. Sisask began his musical education at the Tallinn Music High School, where he studied piano and composition. He later went on to study at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, where he received a degree in composition. During his studies, Sisask was heavily influenced by the works of Estonian composer Veljo Tormis, who was known for his choral music. Sisask's early works were heavily influenced by the minimalist style of composers such as Philip Glass and Steve Reich. However, he later developed his own unique style, which he called "cosmic music." This style was characterized by the use of simple, repetitive patterns and a focus on the natural world. One of Sisask's most famous works is his "Starry Sky Cycle," which consists of nine pieces for piano. Each piece is named after a constellation and is meant to evoke the feeling of looking up at the night sky. The cycle has been performed by numerous pianists around the world and has become a staple of the modern piano repertoire. Another notable work by Sisask is his "Southern Star" symphony, which was commissioned by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in Australia. The symphony is based on the Aboriginal creation myth of the Southern Cross constellation and features a blend of Western classical music and traditional Aboriginal music. Sisask's music has been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music, including the Order of the White Star from the President of Estonia. In addition to his work as a composer, Sisask is also an accomplished pianist and has performed his own works in concerts around the world. He is also a dedicated teacher and has taught composition at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Overall, Urmas Sisask is a highly respected composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique style and focus on the natural world have earned him a dedicated following and a place among the great composers of our time.

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