Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Switzerland

Birth

:

November 30, 1968 in Lausanne, Switzerland

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Sylvie Courvoisier is a Swiss pianist and composer who has made a name for herself in the world of contemporary classical music. Born on November 30, 1968, in Lausanne, Switzerland, Courvoisier grew up in a family of musicians. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a jazz drummer. From a young age, Courvoisier showed a natural talent for music, and she began studying piano at the age of six. Courvoisier's early musical education was focused on classical music, and she studied at the Conservatoire de Lausanne. However, she was also drawn to jazz and improvisation, and she began to explore these genres as well. In 1991, she moved to New York City to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned a Master's degree in composition. In New York, Courvoisier quickly became involved in the city's vibrant jazz and experimental music scenes. She began performing with a variety of musicians, including John Zorn, Mark Feldman, and Ikue Mori. She also formed her own groups, including the Sylvie Courvoisier Trio and the Courvoisier/Taborn Duo. Courvoisier's music is characterized by its blend of classical and jazz influences, as well as its use of improvisation. Her compositions often feature complex rhythms and harmonies, and she is known for her virtuosic piano playing. She has been praised for her ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. One of Courvoisier's most notable works is her 2004 album, Abaton. The album features Courvoisier's compositions for piano, violin, and cello, and it was inspired by the concept of the abaton, a sacred space in ancient Greek temples. The music on the album is haunting and atmospheric, with a sense of mystery and spirituality. Another highlight of Courvoisier's career is her collaboration with the choreographer and dancer Mark Morris. In 2007, Morris commissioned Courvoisier to compose the music for his dance piece, "Socrates." The piece premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and it was later performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City. Courvoisier's music for "Socrates" is a blend of classical and jazz influences, with a sense of playfulness and humor that complements Morris's choreography. Courvoisier has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists throughout her career. She has worked with the saxophonist Evan Parker, the guitarist Mary Halvorson, and the visual artist Ikue Mori, among others. Her music has been performed at festivals and venues around the world, including the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Berlin Jazz Festival, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to her work as a composer and performer, Courvoisier is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City, as well as at the Hochschule Luzern in Switzerland. She has also given masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools around the world. Courvoisier's contributions to the world of contemporary classical music have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards and honors, including a fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and a grant from the Swiss Arts Council. She was also named a Fellow of the Civitella Ranieri Foundation in 2017. Overall, Sylvie Courvoisier is a talented and innovative composer and pianist who has made a significant impact on the world of contemporary classical music.

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