Jeffrey Gavett

Biography

Jeffrey Gavett, baritone, is dedicated to the creation and presentation of new music as composer, performer, and improviser. He has been praised as an "even-tempered baritone who faithfully enunciate[s] text" by the New York Times.

Since his arrival in New York, Mr. Gavett has sung many premieres, including the US Premieres of Philip Maintz's Fluchtlinie, and Liza Lim's Chang-O; works by Nils Vigeland and Susan Botti in a performance at Zankel Hall; the New York premiere of Three James Tate Songs by David Leisner, accompanied by guitarist David Starobin; and more than a dozen pieces written for his ensemble loadbang, including an arrangement by David Lang. He was also involved in the World Premiere of the full version of Xenakis's Oresteïa, which took place at Miller Theater, featuring ICE conducted by Steven Osgood; Mr. Gavett sang in the chorus and covered the twin roles of Kassandra and Athena, later performing the complete role in concert. He has worked with composers such as Liza Lim, David Lang, and Terry Riley, performing the music of the latter two at the 2008 Bang on a Can Summer festival, where he was a fellow. In addition to works of the present, Mr. Gavett has performed the works of the great composers of the last 50 years. His recent repertoire includes works of Babbitt, Carter, Dallapiccola, Henze, Kagel, Monk, Stockhausen, Wuorinen and Xenakis.

As a composer, Mr. Gavett has had performances of his works at the Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival, Manhattan School of Music, and The Stone. He is a winner of the R and R Young Composition Prize of Westminster Choir College. His work involves the juxtaposition of rules and randomness, microtonality, and computer aided composition.

Mr. Gavett is also an accomplished ensemble singer, having performed with VOX Ensemble, and symphonic choruses under conductors such as Harry Bicket, Charles Dutoit, and Lorin Maazel. During his time as an undergraduate at Westminster Choir College he was a member of the Westminster Choir and Westminster Kantorei. He graduated Summa cum Laude, receiving prizes in voice, composition, and German. He recently completed his studies with Lucy Shelton as part of the inaugural class of Manhattan School of Music's Contemporary Performance Program.

In his spare time, Mr. Gavett is a computer hobbyist, and is interested in the intersection of music and technology, ranging from recording to interactive electronics.

Short bio

Jeffrey Gavett, baritone, is a composer, performer, and improviser living in New York City. He holds degrees in Voice and Contemporary Performance from Westminster Choir College and Manhattan School of Music.

Tiny bio

Jeffrey Gavett sings new things