Short bio Thomas Sleeper
Full biography Thomas Sleeper
Thomas M. Sleeper (February 16 , 1956 - October 15, 2022) was an American composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the field of classical music. His music has been described as "hauntingly mysterious" and "rigorous yet attractive tonal," showcasing his exceptional skill and mastery of his craft.
Sleeper was born in Bluefield , West Virginia, and began his musical education at an early age. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Miami. Throughout his career, he composed a wide range of works, including operas, symphonies, concertos, and chamber music, all marked with his unique style and blending of traditional and contemporary techniques.
In addition to composing, Sleeper also held various teaching positions, including at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music and the Catholic University of America. He was highly respected among students and colleagues alike, known for his passion for teaching and his ability to inspire his students to achieve their full potential.
Throughout his career, Sleeper received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music, including multiple awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Endowment for the Arts. He collaborated with many prominent musicians and orchestras, and his works have been performed by ensembles all around the world.
Sleeper passed away on October 15, 2022, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of classical music. His contributions as a composer and educator have had a profound impact on the field, and his music will continue to be celebrated and admired by generations to come.
Compositions featuring Thomas Sleeper
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Violin Concerto No. 1 ("Hypnagogia") | 17:21 min | Concerto | 2011 |
| 2 | Alto Saxophone Concerto | 12:02 min | Concerto | 2010 |
| 3 | Translucence, for trombone & orchestra | 18:32 min | Concerto | 2009 |
| 4 | Cello Concerto | 21:06 min | Concerto | 2007 |
| 5 | Concerto for trumpet & wind ensemble | 17:09 min | Concerto | 2003 |
| 6 | Concerto for bassoon and orchestra | 21:43 min | Concerto | 1992 |
| 7 | Quartet for violin, viola, cello & piano ("Dunsmuir") | 11:49 min | Chamber Music | 1991 |
| 8 | Concerto for piano & wind ensemble | 22:17 min | Concerto | 1986 |
| 9 | Xenia, for voice & orchestra | 27:04 min | Orchestral | - |
| 10 | Aceldama, Field of Blood, opera | 64:30 min | Opera | - |
| 11 | The Original Voice, short opera | 11:29 min | Opera | - |
| 12 | The Monarch, short opera | 8:07 min | Opera | - |
| 13 | The King's Portrait, short opera | 19:20 min | Opera | - |
| 14 | Symphony No. 1 | 24:54 min | Symphony | - |
| 15 | St. Anthony's Loss, short opera | 2:07 min | Opera | - |
| 16 | Rubric's Cubicle, short opera | 2:53 min | Opera | - |
| 17 | Leviathan, short opera | 5:11 min | Opera | - |
| 18 | Last Minute, short opera | 1:02 min | Opera | - |
| 19 | Job's Answer, short opera | 1:21 min | Opera | - |
| 20 | Hemingway Song Cycle, for tenor & orchestra | Vocal Music | - | |
| 21 | Concerto for horn & orchestra | 21:21 min | Concerto | - |
| 22 | Bergonzi, suite for orchestra | 4:45 min | Orchestral | - |
| 23 | Arias (6) for cello & orchestra | 11:37 min | Concerto | - |
Albums featuring Thomas Sleeper
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Thomas Sleeper, Bruno Philharmonia – Einstein's Inconsistency...A Series Of Operas(CD, ) | 2015 | Albany Records |
| 2 |  |
Thomas Sleeper — John Duykers, Ashley Garritson • Meadows Symphony Orchestra, Paul Phillips (17) • Frost Symphony Orchestra, Zoe Zeniodi • Russian National Orchestra, Thomas Sleeper – Symphony No. 1 • XENIA • Six Arias For Cello(CD, ) | 2010 | Albany Records |
| 3 |  |
David Maslanka, Thomas Sleeper, Craig Morris (3), Frost Wind Ensemble At The University Of Miami, Gary Green (2) – Reflections: Symphony No. 3 / Trumpet Concerto(CD, Album) | 2007 | Naxos |
| 4 |  |
Roberto Sierra – Frost Symphony Orchestra, Thomas M. Sleeper – Three Sinfonias(CD, ) | 2007 | Albany Records |
| 5 |  |
Aceldama - An Opera In One Act(CD, ) | 2003 | Albany Records |
| 6 |  |
University Of Miami Wind Ensemble, Gary Green (2) - James Syler, Michael Colgrass, Thomas Sleeper – Blue / Dream Dancer / Concerto For Piano And Wind Ensemble(CD, ) | 2002 | Albany Records |
| 7 |  |
Key West Festival Orchestra, David Crawford (12), Thomas M. Sleeper – Key West Music Festival - Tribute To Enrico Caruso(CD, Album) | 1997 | 'Cane Records |
| 8 |  |
Sleeper, Meier, Reeder, Bell – Music From Six Continents: 1996 Series(CD, Album) | 1996 | Vienna Modern Masters |
| 9 |  |
Thomas Ludwig — Ludwig / London Symphony Orchestra ; Sleeper / University of Miami Symphony Orchestra - Mark Peskanov – Violin Concerto • Symphony In Two Movements(CD, ) | 1996 | Albany Records |
| 10 |  |
Ticheli, Van der Slice, Sleeper – Untitled(CD, Stereo) | - | Albany Records |
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