Biography of Dev Dosaj - Composer

Mr. Dosaj is a native of California, born in Santa Monica in 1959. His diversified talents include piano, french horn, guitar and bass, all of which he studied until the age of 18. He was a student of Charlie Shoemake for several years. He learned to work with jazz chord progressions in the style of Charlie Parker, Bud Powell and many other Be-Bop players. Mr. Dosaj also studied the violin and attended classical music concerts.

He earned his bachelor's degree at California State University Northridge and was active in the music department, playing piano in one of the jazz bands and singing in the Philharmonic Choir. This is where he developed an appreciation for choral music.

Later he became the keyboard player for a rock group named "Atlantis," which in later incarnations would be known as "Metro." He composed original music and wrote lyrics for this band. He also sang back up vocals. The group performed throughout southern California.

After leaving the world of rock, he joined the Los Angeles Valley College Philharmonic Choir as a tenor. The Choir has been directed by George Attarian and Nick Strimple, and is currently under the direction of Jennifer Kelly.

In February of 1999, Mr. Dosaj's overture,The Surrender at Appomattox, won the 5th Annual Valley Symphony Orchestra Composition Competition. It premiered at L.A. Valley College the same month, conducted by Robert Chauls.

The same year, he released his first CD, which includes a requiem, overture, and mass for piano and choir.

On February 6, 2000, Dev Dosaj's Requiem was performed at Forest Lawn's Hall of Liberty to a nearly full house. The work, which received a standing ovation, was performed by the Premiere Chamber Chorale and Orchestra, conducted by Terry Danne.

Mr. Dosaj was the San Fernando Valley Master Chorale's composer in residence for 2000. He currently resides in Valley Glen with his wife and two children. He composes each day.