Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

 

James Naigus is a contemporary classical music composer, arranger, and performer. He was born on December 22, 1984, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Naigus grew up in a musical family, and his parents were both music educators. His father was a band director, and his mother was a choir director. Naigus started playing the piano at the age of five and later learned to play the clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. Naigus attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in bassoon performance. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in bassoon performance at the University of Michigan. During his time at the University of Michigan, Naigus discovered his passion for composing and arranging music. Naigus's compositions and arrangements have been performed by numerous ensembles, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Pops Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many renowned musicians, such as Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, and Renée Fleming. One of Naigus's most notable works is his arrangement of the traditional hymn "Amazing Grace" for cello and orchestra. This arrangement has been performed by Yo-Yo Ma and the Boston Pops Orchestra and has become one of Naigus's most popular pieces. Another notable work is his composition "The River," which was commissioned by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2018. Naigus's music is known for its emotional depth and beauty. He often draws inspiration from nature and the world around him. His compositions and arrangements are characterized by lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and intricate textures. In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Naigus is also an accomplished bassoonist. He has performed with many orchestras, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He is also a member of the wind quintet WindSync, which has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Naigus's music has received critical acclaim and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2017, he was awarded the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award for his composition "The River." He has also been a finalist for the American Prize in Composition and has received commissions from organizations such as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Naigus continues to compose, arrange, and perform music that inspires and moves audiences around the world. His dedication to his craft and his passion for creating beautiful music have made him one of the most exciting and innovative composers of his generation.

More....