João Pedro Oliveira

Bio

Portuguese-born composer Professor João Pedro Oliveira holds multiple degrees in various areas, in architecture (BS, Lisbon School of Fine Arts, 1981), organ performance (Superior Degree, Gregorian Institute, Lisbon, 1985), music theory (MA, SUNY/Stony Brook, 1988), and composition (MA, 1987 and PhD, 1990, SUNY/Stony Brook). From 1985 to 1990, he was a Fulbright Scholar in the US, and simultaneously held a fellowship from the Gulbenkian Foundation, a Portuguese foundation that supports the arts, sciences, and education. He has held various teaching posts: Full Professor, Aveiro University (2002-2011); Full Professor, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil (2011-2019). Additionally, he has held several visiting appointments (Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, New Zealand, and the US).

Oliveira’s music explores multiple facets of the interaction between acoustic instruments and electronic sounds and, further, relationships between sound and images. His works include over 150 compositions published in various countries (opera, orchestral and choral, chamber music, solo instrumental pieces, tape/electroacoustic works, video, music for public spaces, orchestrations and arrangements). His discography includes 12 solo/monographic CDs, as well as other pieces recorded on over 60 CDs. Oliveira’s music is performed all over the world. In competitions, Oliveira has been highly successful, garnering over 70 prizes and awards. Among others, a Guggenheim Fellowship, The American Prize in Composition, the Bourges Magisterium Prize, Giga-Hertz Award, Musica Nova Prize, and Metamorphosis Competition. In addition to the artistic work and accomplishments as a composer, Oliveira has also been active for many years as an author and co-author, having published a large-scale analysis book and 25 articles and chapters on a variety of topics. www.jpoliveira.com