Omar Daniel
Encyclopedia
Omar Daniel is a Canadian composer
and pianist
of Estonian descent. In 1997 he won the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music
for his Zwei Lieder nach Rilke, a work for soprano
and chamber ensemble, and in 2007 he received the K.M. Hunter Artists Award for classical music. He earned a Doctor of Music
from the University of Toronto
where he was a music composition pupil of John Beckwith
. He is a former faculty member of the University of Toronto and since 2000 has taught on the faculty at the University of Western Ontario
(UWO). He is the current director of the UWO's Composition, Electroacoustic Research and Performance Facility (CEARP).
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
and pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
of Estonian descent. In 1997 he won the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music
Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music
The Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music is a Canadian contemporary classical music award given to composers in recognition of quality new works of chamber music. Granted annually since 1978 , the prize is won through a competition administered by the Canadian Music Centre...
for his Zwei Lieder nach Rilke, a work for soprano
Soprano
A soprano is a voice type with a vocal range from approximately middle C to "high A" in choral music, or to "soprano C" or higher in operatic music. In four-part chorale style harmony, the soprano takes the highest part, which usually encompasses the melody...
and chamber ensemble, and in 2007 he received the K.M. Hunter Artists Award for classical music. He earned a Doctor of Music
Doctor of Music
The Doctor of Music degree , like other doctorates, is an academic degree of the highest level. The D.Mus. is intended for musicians and composers who wish to combine the highest attainments in their area of specialization with doctoral-level academic study in music...
from the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
where he was a music composition pupil of John Beckwith
John Beckwith (composer)
John Beckwith, CM is a Canadian composer, writer, pianist, teacher, and administrator.Born in Victoria, British Columbia, he studied piano with Alberto Guerrero at the Toronto Conservatory of Music in 1945. He received a Mus.B. in 1947 and a Mus.M. in 1961 from the University of Toronto...
. He is a former faculty member of the University of Toronto and since 2000 has taught on the faculty at the University of Western Ontario
University of Western Ontario
The University of Western Ontario is a public research university located in London, Ontario, Canada. The university's main campus covers of land, with the Thames River cutting through the eastern portion of the main campus. Western administers its programs through 12 different faculties and...
(UWO). He is the current director of the UWO's Composition, Electroacoustic Research and Performance Facility (CEARP).
Further Reading
- Steenhuisen, Paul. "Interview with Omar Daniel". In Sonic Mosaics: Conversations with Composers. Edmonton: University of Alberta Press, 2009. ISBN-13: 978-0888644749
Source
- Bio of Omar Daniel at the Canadian Music CentreCanadian Music CentreThe Canadian Music Centre holds Canada's largest collection of Canadian concert music. The CMC exists to promote the works of its Associate Composers in Canada and around the world....