Composer Steven Mackey began his musical life as a rock musician in his teens — a guitarist with amazing ability who didn't read music. One transformative day in college, Mackey heard a Beethoven string quartet and instantly knew he wanted to be a composer.
Today, Steven Mackey is hailed as one of modern classical's most adventurous and exciting composers — with a long list of commissions, recordings and honors to his credit — and one who has taken his instrument, the electric guitar, to new realms of recognition and respectability in the genre.
As a prelude to the season finale of Music in the Making on Monday, June 13, at the Guthrie Theater, Steven Mackey sat down with Classical MPR's Steve Seel to talk about his career, his approach to composing, and his new "guitar opera," Orpheus Unsung, receiving its world premiere June 16 to 18 at the Guthrie as part of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra's Liquid Music series.
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steven Mackey will be unable to attend the Music in the Making event on Monday, June 13, and the event has been cancelled.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
