Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

December 25, 1941

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Ronald Perera was an American composer of classical music, born on April 6, 1941, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was the son of a Sri Lankan diplomat and spent his childhood traveling around the world. Perera's family eventually settled in the United States, where he began his musical education. Perera's interest in music began at a young age, and he started playing the piano when he was just five years old. He later studied composition at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree. He then went on to earn his Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music. Perera's early compositions were heavily influenced by the music of his native Sri Lanka, as well as the Western classical music he had studied. His works often featured intricate rhythms and colorful harmonies, and he was known for his use of unconventional instruments and techniques. One of Perera's most notable works is his opera "The Yellow Wallpaper," which is based on the short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The opera premiered in 1989 and has since been performed in numerous venues around the world. The work is known for its haunting melodies and powerful emotional impact. Perera also composed a number of orchestral works, including his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1972. The work is characterized by its lush harmonies and sweeping melodies, and it has been praised for its emotional depth and complexity. In addition to his work as a composer, Perera was also a respected music educator. He taught at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, for over 30 years, and he was known for his dedication to his students and his passion for music. Throughout his career, Perera received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. He was a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award, among others. Perera passed away on July 1, 2019, at the age of 78. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

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