Role

:

Composer Conductor

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Victoria Bond is a renowned American composer and conductor, known for her contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 17, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, Bond grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, Saul Bond, was a violinist and conductor, while her mother, Elizabeth, was a pianist. Bond's parents were both members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and they instilled in her a love for music from a young age. Bond began her musical education at the age of six, studying piano with her mother. She later took up the violin and studied with her father. Bond's parents encouraged her to pursue a career in music, and she went on to study at the University of Southern California, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. After completing her undergraduate studies, Bond moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. She continued her education at the Juilliard School, where she earned a Master of Music degree in composition. While at Juilliard, Bond studied with renowned composers such as Elliott Carter and Roger Sessions. Bond's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s. Her compositions often featured complex rhythms and dissonant harmonies, and she was known for her use of unconventional instruments and techniques. One of her early works, "Black Light," was written for a chamber ensemble and featured a solo part for electric guitar. In the 1980s, Bond began to move away from the avant-garde style and towards a more tonal and accessible sound. Her compositions began to feature more traditional harmonies and melodies, and she began to incorporate elements of jazz and popular music into her work. One of her most popular works from this period is "Shanghai," a concerto for pipa and orchestra that was inspired by Chinese folk music. Throughout her career, Bond has been a champion of new music and has worked to promote the work of other composers. In 1992, she founded the Cutting Edge Concerts New Music Festival in New York City, which showcases the work of contemporary composers from around the world. She has also served as the artistic director of the Bel Canto Opera Company and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. Bond's compositions have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Houston Symphony, and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Academy Award in Music and the Victor Herbert Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. One of Bond's most notable works is "Mrs. President," an opera that tells the story of Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for president of the United States. The opera premiered in 2012 at the Anchorage Opera and has since been performed at several other opera companies around the country. Bond's other operas include "Clara," which tells the story of Clara Schumann, and "The Miracle of Light," which is based on the life of Helen Keller. In addition to her work as a composer, Bond is also an accomplished conductor. She has conducted orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony, and the New York City Opera. She has also served as the music director of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.

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