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Augusta Read Thomas, born in 1964 in Glen Cove, New York, is a renowned composer and professor at the University of Chicago, where she serves as the Director of the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition. With a prolific career, she has received numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music and winning a Grammy Award for her composition on the CD "Colors Love" with Chanticleer. Thomas's works have been performed by leading orchestras and conducted by notable maestros such as Daniel Barenboim and Esa-Pekka Salonen. As an active member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she is deeply committed to advancing contemporary music. Notable commissions include pieces for the New York Philharmonic and the BBC Proms. Additionally, she has held several leadership roles, including Vice President of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and Directorship positions in various music foundations. Her contributions to music extend beyond composition; she founded the Grossman Ensemble, promoting new works and collaborations with emerging composers. As an educator, Thomas has shaped many young musicians and continues to be an influential figure in the contemporary music landscape.
University of Chicago • Chicago, IL
Professor in the Composition Division and Director of the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition.
Department of Philosophy