Work by Theofanidis Commissioned for Long Center Opening
The Austin Symphony announced last week that Christopher Theofanidis has been commissioned to write a work for the opening of the Long Center next year. Theofanidis, a native Texan, is the composer of Rainbow Body, one of the most-performed new orchestral works of the last decade. This Masterprize-winning piece was inspired by a Hildegard von Bingen chant. You may have heard Rainbow Body if you attended the Austin Symphony's series-opening concert in 2005.
Theofanidis' work has been performed by various orchestras around the world. His compositions have been called lyrical, personable and engaging, with the composer fusing influences of various musical styles to create a unique and -- dare we say -- accessible sound.
Photo from Christopher Theofanidis official site
Lately, the award-winning composer has been working on a string orchestra work to be premiered later this year by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, as well as a ballet for the American Ballet Theatre. Theofanidis is on the staff of the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, and has also served on staff at Juilliard.
Partial underwriting for this upcoming commissioned work comes from a grant through the Austin Community Foundation.
For more information on Theofanidis:
[Christopher Theofanidis official site]
[ComposersOnline.org: Interview with Christopher Theofanidis]
