Richard Danielpour’s music has been heard throughout the United States and abroad. Born in New York City in 1956, Danielpour studied at the New England Conservatory and the Juilliard School with Vincent Persichetti and Peter Mennin. Danielpour also trained as a pianist with Lorin Hollander, Veronica Jochum, and Gabriel Chodos. He is a member of the composition faculty at the Curtis Institute and the Manhattan School of Music. His projects include the November 2001 world premiere of An American Requiem for the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Santa Ana, California. Composed for orchestra, chorus and vocal soloists, the Requiem is dedicated “to the memory of those who died in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001; and in tribute to the American soldierópast, present, and future.” Other commissions include the March 2001 premiere of Through the Ancient Valley and a new cello concerto for Yo-Yo Ma and the New York Philharmonic.