Michael Udow

Biography

Michael Udow has composed three operas, film scores, orchestral and wind ensemble works, chamber music, and solo compositions. Michael's distinctive compositional voice alludes categorization. Quite often, his rhythmically engaging contrapuntal lines with dense timbres weave effortlessly with memorable melodic lines. His latest 2020 Animated Film to be performed live with orchestra, wind ensemble or 6-percussion with sound playback has received twelve laurel awards, including New York's Sound and Vision International Film & Technology Festival, Hollywood Verge Film Awards, Picasso, Einstein, Buddha Film Festival (India) and Bengal's Model N Movie International Shorts. In addition, Michael was the 2014-15 Composer-in-Residence with the Colorado Chamber Orchestra. Michael is a University of Michigan Emeritus Professor (1982 – 2011). He retired from his distinguished career as the principal percussionist with The Santa Fe Opera (1968 – 2009). Michael holds BM degrees in composition and percussion from the University of Illinois, where he also completed his MM and the first DMA degree in percussion performance. Oxford University Press published his 472-page book, Percussion Pedagogy, A Practical Guide for Studio Teachers, in 2019. The Rhode Island Philharmonic, Boulder Philharmonic, Colorado Chamber Orchestra, Madison Philharmonia have recorded Michael's works. In 2022, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra will be presenting Michael's Shattered Mirror Suite, preceded by a week of guest composer workshops. In addition, the world premiere of his multiple percussion concerto, Ancient Echoes, will be given by the Longmont Symphony Orchestra.

  • duo inst or voices
  • ACE Publications

    9 title(s)
    Composer Title SCORING/INSTRUMENTATION Year
    Michael Udow Arias & Recitatives for Tuba and Piano Tuba and Piano
    Michael Udow Don't Look Back Violist and Dancer
    Michael Udow Dream for Solo Horn and Optional Actor Solo Horn and Optional Actor
    Michael Udow Hoodoos Two Percussionists
    Michael Udow Old News for Trumpet in Bb (or Piccolo Trumpet in A) with Optional Percussion
    Michael Udow Schizoid Marimba and Vibraphone
    Michael Udow Stepping Stones Two Marimbas
    Michael Udow Toyama Two Percussionists
    Michael Udow Vistas Bass Clarinet and Percussion

    Additional Works