American composer Tobias Picker was born into an artistic, New York, Jewish family, to a father who wrote radio news scripts, and a mother who was a successful fashion designer and painter. His parents and grandparents taught him about art, culture and great music. He often listened to Beethoven and Brahms.
However, when Tobias was just a child, he developed Tourette Syndrome, a condition that, for Picker, causes thousands of uncontrollable physical tics every day. Despite this, when he was just 15, he set his heart on becoming a composer and he went to the Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard School and Princeton University.
There is no known cure for Tourettes, but for many with the syndrome, music does help. Renowned neurologist and author Oliver Sacks has studied this, stating that for many, concentrating on something like playing the piano or composing, can harness the energy into the activity, allowing them to, for a time, feel cured of the adversity.
In 1998 Picker wrote his family opera, Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on a story by Roald Dahl that tells the story of the animals’ efforts to outwit a murderous farmer. Tobias is working on his fifth opera, but has also composed nearly 80 other works including concertos, quintets and other chamber pieces, making him one of the most sought-after contemporary composers. Picker takes everything in stride, stating that he conquers his “considerable adversity” by continuing to “do what I do.”
Watch this presentation of Picker's Fantastic Mr. Fox.
WXXI Classical promotes and supports inclusion for musicians of all abilities through programming and special events. WXXI’s Move to Include Initiative is made possible by a generous grant from the Golisano Foundation.
Music: Picker: Old and Lost Rivers