Artist Spotlight: Jennifer Higdon
“When I was a teenager, that’s when I really discovered classical music and knew that I would work in music for the rest of my life. (I do wonder if it had something to do with the John Williams soundtracks for Star Wars...which came out for the first time when I was entering high school).”
Pulitzer Prize and three-time Grammy-winner Jennifer Higdon taught herself to play flute at the age of 15 and began formal musical studies at 18, with an even later start in composition at the age of 21. Despite these obstacles, Jennifer has become a major figure in contemporary Classical music. Her works represent a wide range of genres, from orchestral to chamber, to wind ensemble, as well as vocal, choral and opera. Her music has been hailed by Fanfare Magazine as having "the distinction of being at once complex, sophisticated but readily accessible emotionally", with the Times of London citing it as "...traditionally rooted, yet imbued with integrity and freshness." The League of American Orchestras reports that she is one of America's most frequently performed composers (from her website). Read on for the complete interview with Jennifer!
1.) Tell us a bit about your “art origin story”? When did you first fall in love with your art?
I have always loved art as far back as I can remember (my Dad was an artist who worked from home). So making some sort of art has always been a part of my life. But in the early years, I was more aware of visual arts. When I was a teenager, that's when I really discovered classical music and knew that I would work in music for the rest of my life. (I do wonder if it had something to do with the John Williams soundtracks for Star Wars...which came out for the first time when I was entering high school).
2.) What role have teachers played in your development as an artist?
They've been important; and so have my fellow students...I learned from them as well. Any one stand out? =>My flute teacher from Bowling Green State University (my undergraduate school), Judy Bentley. She was an amazing composition, flute, and life teacher.
3.) What advice would you give to young folks thinking about pursuing an education or career in the arts?
If you love it, go for it!
4.) Do you feel like your artistic expression has changed in the last few years? If yes, how so?
YES! I feel like it changes every year. Every aspect has changed: from the process of deciding the form and harmonic language, to the order in which I write movements, or even sections of music. My composing process changes every single time...I tend to start with different aspects (harmonic versus melodic versus color through extended techniques), and then throw in some personal challenges to push my boundaries.
5.) What inspires you?
The Performers who ask me to write them works; their need to express themselves through music of our time is very inspiring. And I'm very lucky in that I get asked to write for some really superb artists....that's definitely inspiring.