Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1974

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Alexander L'Estrange is a British composer, arranger, and conductor who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born in 1974 in London, L'Estrange grew up in a musical family. His father, John L'Estrange, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Rosemary, was a singer and pianist. L'Estrange's parents encouraged him to pursue music from a young age, and he began playing the piano and singing in choirs as a child. L'Estrange attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition, conducting, and singing. He also studied at the University of Oxford, where he earned a degree in music. During his time at Oxford, L'Estrange was a member of the renowned a cappella group The Oxford Alternotives, which he later went on to direct. After completing his studies, L'Estrange began working as a freelance composer and arranger. He has written music for a wide range of ensembles, including choirs, orchestras, and jazz bands. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by some of the world's leading musicians, including the King's Singers, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. One of L'Estrange's most significant contributions to the world of classical music is his work in the field of choral music. He has written a number of choral works, including "Zimbe!", "Ahoy!", and "Song Cycle: vive la velorution!". These works have been performed by choirs around the world and have received critical acclaim for their innovative use of different musical styles and genres. "Zimbe!" is perhaps L'Estrange's most well-known choral work. It is a fusion of African and Western music, featuring traditional African songs and rhythms alongside Western choral music. The piece was commissioned by the charity Tusk Trust to raise awareness of the plight of African elephants, and it has been performed by choirs around the world, including the King's Singers and the London Adventist Chorale. L'Estrange's work in the field of choral music has earned him numerous awards and accolades. In 2010, he was awarded the British Composer Award for his choral work "Ahoy!". The piece is a nautical-themed choral suite that features sea shanties and other maritime songs. It has been performed by choirs around the world and has become a popular choice for choral competitions and festivals. In addition to his work in choral music, L'Estrange has also written a number of orchestral works. His "Symphony of Psalms" is a setting of three psalms for choir and orchestra. The piece was commissioned by the City of London Sinfonia and has been performed by orchestras around the world. L'Estrange's work as a composer and arranger has also extended to the world of jazz. He has written a number of jazz arrangements of classical works, including his "Jazz Mass" and "Jazz Carols". These works have been performed by jazz ensembles around the world and have been praised for their innovative use of jazz harmonies and rhythms. In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, L'Estrange is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted a number of orchestras and choirs, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Mozart Players. He is also a sought-after guest conductor and has conducted ensembles in the UK, Europe, and the United States. L'Estrange's contributions to the world of classical music have earned him numerous awards and accolades.

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