Michael Purves-Smith

Biography

Sample Works

Michael Purves-Smith (1945-), conductor, composer and performer (oboe) earned a Master of Music Degree from the University of British Columbia in 1971. He is currently Associate Professor of Music in the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Artistic Director of the Wellington Winds in Kitchener Waterloo.

His compositions include five substantial stage works, many chamber works, choral works and compositions for wind ensemble. His most recent work, "Rimas", a novel, 45 minute work for two flamenco dancers, small chorus, mezzo-soprano, guitar and violin, will be premiered on November 12, 2002 at Wilfrid Laurier University.

His music has been performed in many parts of Canada, the USA, France, Britain, Norway, Latvia, and Mexico. A performance of "Rimas" is projected for the Autumn in Warsaw New Music Festival for 2003.

As a composer he has spent his career in search of the , sometimes elusive, elixir that may unite music from anywhere within the multitude or available styles into a coherent whole. He finds it in narrative and especially in the great poetry of the English, Spanish, Italian and Latin languages.

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