Dr. William Bolcom

Biography

William Bolcom is an esteemed Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, having made significant contributions to the field of music. A recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in 1988, his illustrious career includes numerous prestigious commissions from renowned orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and many others. Bolcom’s operatic works have been commissioned by the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and his compositions have been performed at prestigious venues including the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall. With a diverse repertoire that includes both choral and orchestral works, his compositions have reached international audiences. Bolcom is also known for his collaborations with notable musicians, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne. His work has been widely recorded, and he has received multiple Grammy Awards, including one for his album 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience'. Throughout his career, Bolcom has been recognized with numerous fellowships and accolades, including being admitted to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His educational background includes degrees from the University of Washington, Mills College, and Stanford University. Bolcom taught at various institutions before joining the University of Michigan in 1973, where he continued to influence the field until his retirement in 2008.

Research Interests