Beth Denisch facts for kids

Beth Denisch (born in Augusta, Georgia, on February 25, 1958) is an American composer. A composer writes music. She has created many pieces of music that have been performed by orchestras and groups around the world. She also teaches music to students.

Early Life and Education

Beth Denisch studied music at several universities. She earned her first music degree from North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. Later, she received two more advanced degrees from Boston University. Her teachers there included famous composers like John Harbison and Bernard Rands.

Teaching Music

After her studies, Beth Denisch began teaching. She taught at UMass Dartmouth and Northeastern University. Today, she is a Professor of Composition at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. This is a well-known school for music.

Helping Composers and Musicians

In 1996, Beth Denisch started the New England chapter of the American Composers Forum. This group helps composers share their music and connect with others. She led this group until 2005. She also helps lead an international group that studies gender in music and education.

Her Music and Performances

Beth Denisch's music has been played in many important concerts. She has also won awards and received requests to write new music.

Notable Musical Works

• "Sorrow and Tenderness": In 2002, the Handel and Haydn Society performed this piece. It was part of a concert for young people at Brockton High School in Massachusetts.
• "Fire Mountain Intermezzo": This piece is for a string orchestra. It was performed by the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin in Moscow and New York City. It won a competition that honored the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A reviewer from The New York Times said the music had "strong rhythms" and used both pleasant and clashing sounds.
• "Golden Fanfare": This orchestral piece was praised by American Record Guide. They noted its energetic feel and repeated musical patterns. It also used parts of a folk tune from Bulgaria.
• "The Singing Tree": In 1999, this piece won a competition. It was inspired by the paintings of Maxfield Parrish. After it was performed, the Philadelphia Classical Symphony asked her to write another piece.
• "Goblins' Night Out!": This work was written for an orchestra and a narrator.
• "Women, Power and the Journey" and "Jordan and the Dog Woman": The Equinox Chamber Players asked Beth Denisch to write "Women, Power and the Journey" in 2003. They also recorded both of these pieces.

Other Activities

Beth Denisch also gives talks about music and topics related to gender. For example, she spoke at a conference about feminist theory and music in 2009. She is also active in the International Alliance for Women in Music. This group supports women who work in music.