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Jonathan Ovalle is a renowned composer and percussionist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1975 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ovalle grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a percussionist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music at a young age. Ovalle started playing percussion instruments at the age of six and quickly developed a passion for music. Ovalle's musical journey began at the Escuela Libre de Musica in San Juan, where he studied percussion. He later moved to the United States to pursue his studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. Ovalle then went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music in New Haven, Connecticut. Throughout his career, Ovalle has performed with various orchestras and ensembles, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with renowned musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, and the Silk Road Ensemble. As a composer, Ovalle has written numerous works for percussion, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. His compositions are known for their unique blend of classical, jazz, and Latin American music. One of his most notable works is "Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra," which was premiered by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 2005. The concerto showcases Ovalle's virtuosic marimba playing and his ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly. Another significant work by Ovalle is "Three Latin American Dances," which was commissioned by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra in 2010. The piece features three movements, each inspired by a different Latin American dance style. The first movement, "Samba," is a lively and rhythmic dance from Brazil. The second movement, "Danzon," is a slower, more romantic dance from Cuba. The final movement, "Joropo," is a fast-paced dance from Venezuela that showcases Ovalle's percussion skills. In addition to his compositions, Ovalle is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at various institutions, including the University of Michigan, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ovalle is currently a professor of percussion at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Throughout his career, Ovalle has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 2005, he was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award for his "Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra." He has also been a recipient of the Yale School of Music's Alumni Association Prize and the Eastman School of Music's Howard Hanson Prize. In conclusion, Jonathan Ovalle is a talented composer and percussionist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique blend of classical, jazz, and Latin American music has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Ovalle's compositions and performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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