Gwyneth Van Anden Walker

Gwyneth Van Anden Walker is a celebrated American composer known for her vibrant and accessible music. Born on March 22, 1947, in New York City, she grew up in Connecticut and began composing at a young age. Walker studied at Brown University and the Hartt School of Music, graduating with advanced degrees in Music Composition. She taught at institutions like Oberlin and the Hartt School from 1976 to 1982 before dedicating herself full-time to composition. Her works span a range of genres, including orchestral, chamber music, and choral compositions, often inspired by American poetry and the landscapes of New England.

Walker's compositions are noted for their energy, beauty, and humor, drawing comparisons to American masters like Aaron Copland and Charles Ives. Her music often celebrates everyday life, incorporating non-traditional elements and venues. Over the years, she has received significant recognition, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Vermont Arts Council and the Alfred Nash Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award from Choral Arts New England. Some of her notable works include the "Craftsbury Trio" for brass quintet and choral pieces based on Quaker poetry. Her love for rural New England and the community is reflected in compositions like "Tree of Peace" and "Craftsbury Trio." Her recent releases continue to highlight her dedication to celebrating the spirit and beauty of music in various forms, such as "When the Spirit Sings" and the "Craftsbury Trio" as part of "New World Dances."

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