Role

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Composer  

Genre

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Chamber

 

Laura Zaerr is a renowned American composer and harpist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1952 in Portland, Oregon, Zaerr grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer, and they both encouraged her to pursue music. Zaerr began playing the harp at the age of 12 and quickly fell in love with the instrument. She studied under the tutelage of renowned harpists such as Alice Chalifoux and Susann McDonald and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Oregon and a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. Throughout her career, Zaerr has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in various venues across the United States and Europe. She has also collaborated with numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Oregon Symphony, the Portland Baroque Orchestra, and the Oregon Bach Festival. In addition to her performance career, Zaerr is also a prolific composer. Her works have been performed by numerous ensembles and orchestras, and she has received commissions from organizations such as the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Youth Philharmonic. One of Zaerr's most notable works is her harp concerto, "The Garden of the Heart," which was commissioned by the Oregon Symphony in 1999. The piece is inspired by the poetry of Rumi and explores themes of love, spirituality, and the natural world. It has been performed by numerous orchestras and harpists around the world and has received critical acclaim for its beauty and emotional depth. Another notable work by Zaerr is her chamber opera, "The Nightingale and the Rose," which is based on the short story by Oscar Wilde. The opera tells the story of a nightingale who sacrifices her life to create a red rose for a young man to give to his beloved. The piece has been performed by various ensembles and has been praised for its lyrical beauty and emotional power. Zaerr's other works include numerous solo and chamber pieces for the harp, as well as works for orchestra and choir. Her music is known for its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and spiritual themes, and it has been praised for its ability to transport listeners to a place of peace and tranquility. In addition to her musical career, Zaerr is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at various universities and music schools throughout her career. She is currently a professor of harp at Brigham Young University and continues to inspire and mentor young musicians. Overall, Laura Zaerr is a talented and accomplished composer and harpist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her works are known for their beauty, emotional depth, and spiritual themes, and she continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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