Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1969

 

Eric Sessler was born on December 22, 1979, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Sessler began playing the piano at the age of four and showed a natural talent for music. He was also interested in composing from a young age and began writing his own music when he was just eight years old. Sessler attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with John Corigliano and Christopher Rouse. He also studied piano with Yoheved Kaplinsky and Joseph Kalichstein. During his time at Juilliard, Sessler won several awards for his compositions, including the William Schuman Prize and the Palmer Dixon Prize. After graduating from Juilliard in 2002, Sessler continued to compose music and his works were performed by various orchestras and ensembles around the world. In 2005, he was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic to write a piece for their Contact! series, which showcases the work of emerging composers. The resulting piece, titled "The Sleep of Reason," was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 2006 and received critical acclaim. Sessler's music is known for its emotional depth and complexity. He often draws inspiration from literature and visual art, and his compositions often have a narrative quality. One of his most well-known works is "The White Album," a piece for orchestra that was inspired by the Beatles' album of the same name. The piece is a musical interpretation of the album's themes and motifs, and has been performed by orchestras around the world. Another notable work by Sessler is "The River," a piece for piano and orchestra that was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The piece is a musical depiction of a river, with the piano representing the flow of the water and the orchestra representing the surrounding landscape. The piece has been praised for its evocative imagery and its use of unconventional techniques, such as the use of a prepared piano. Sessler's music has been performed by many prominent orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many renowned musicians, including pianist Lang Lang and conductor Alan Gilbert. In addition to his work as a composer, Sessler is also a dedicated educator. He has taught composition at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, and has given masterclasses and workshops around the world. He is known for his innovative teaching methods, which emphasize creativity and experimentation. Sessler's music has been praised for its emotional depth, its technical skill, and its ability to connect with audiences. He is considered one of the most important composers of his generation, and his work continues to inspire and challenge musicians and audiences around the world.

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