Lera Auerbach
Born 1973
Biography
Lera Auerbach was born on October 21, 1973 in Chelyabinsk, Russia. She is a composer, conductor, pianist, poet, and visual artist. Her mother is a piano teacher, and she comes from a family of musicians, which meant she grew up in an environment with a rich musical tradition. Lera exhibited a lot of talent early on, composing her first opera at the age of 12. The opera was performed across various cities in the former Soviet Union.
In 1991, at 17, Auerbach traveled to the United States for a concert tour. Even though she did not speak English, she decided to remain in the U.S. to further her musical education. She studied piano under Joseph Kalichstein and composition with Milton Babbitt and Robert Beaser at the Juilliard School. She also studied comparative literature at Columbia University and earned a piano diploma from the Hochschule für Musik Hannover in Germany.
Lera’s compositions are known for their emotional depth and innovation. She combines traditional and modern elements in her composing. She has written over 100 works spanning opera, ballet, symphonic, and chamber music.
Lera’s music is characterized by its bold imagination and emotional intensity. She seamlessly integrates diverse influences, from Russian folk traditions to classical structures and contemporary techniques, creating compositions that are both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. Her ability to convey complex emotions through music has established her as a leading figure in contemporary classical composition.
Beyond her musical achievements, Lera Auerbach is an accomplished poet and visual artist. She has published three volumes of Russian poetry and a book of modern aphorisms (sayings) in English titled "Excess of Being." Her visual art has been exhibited internationally, further showcasing her multifaceted creativity. She also wrote a children’s book “A is for Oboe”
Throughout her career, Lera Auerbach has received numerous prizes and awards, including the Hindemith Prize from the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival and the ECHO Klassik award in 2012 for "The Little Mermaid." Her works continue to be performed worldwide, solidifying her reputation as one of the most compelling and versatile artists of her generation.
Better -Known Works
Some of her better known works are:
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"The Little Mermaid": A ballet commissioned by the Royal Danish Ballet in 2005 to commemorate Hans Christian Andersen's bicentenary. This modern interpretation of the classic fairy tale has been widely performed and acclaimed.
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"Gogol": An opera based on Auerbach's original play, premiered in 2011 at Vienna's Theater an der Wien. The performance featured innovative stage techniques, including pyrotechnics and a tilting stage.
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"Symphony No. 1, 'Chimera'": Debuted in 2007 by the Düsseldorf Symphony, in Germany. This work showcases Auerbach's ability to blend complex orchestration with themes that bring out a lot of emotions.
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"24 Preludes for Violin and Piano": A significant addition to the violin and piano repertoire, demonstrating her ability to compose shorter pieces.
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"Arctica: Symphony No. 4": A work commissioned by the National Geographic Society and premiered by the National Symphony Orchestra. The piece uses unusual instruments, like an ice drum, dripping water and a theremin and describes what is happening to the Arctic landscape.
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“Vessels of Light: Symphony No. 6” A work commissioned by Yad Vashem to honor Chiune Sugihara who saved around 6000 Jewish people during World War II by issuing visas for them to escape Lithuania.