Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1975

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Elena Langer is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on April 20, 1974, in Moscow, Russia. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a composer. Langer started playing the piano at the age of five and began composing her own music at the age of eight. Langer studied at the Gnessin School of Music in Moscow, where she received a comprehensive education in music theory, composition, and piano performance. She continued her studies at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where she earned a degree in composition in 1996. After completing her studies, Langer moved to London, where she has been based ever since. She has become one of the most prominent contemporary classical music composers in the UK, with her works being performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world. Langer's music is characterized by its eclectic style, which draws on a wide range of influences, including Russian folk music, jazz, and contemporary pop music. Her compositions often feature unconventional instrumentation and explore themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage. One of Langer's most notable works is her opera, "Figaro Gets a Divorce," which premiered at the Welsh National Opera in 2016. The opera is a sequel to Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" and explores the aftermath of the original story. The opera was praised for its inventive score and imaginative staging. Another notable work by Langer is her song cycle, "Landscape with Three People," which was commissioned by the BBC and premiered in 2011. The cycle features settings of poems by the British poet Sophie Hannah and explores themes of love, loss, and memory. The cycle was praised for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. Langer has also composed a number of works for chamber ensembles, including her "RedMare" trio for clarinet, cello, and piano, which was commissioned by the Park Lane Group and premiered in 2003. The piece is characterized by its virtuosic writing and playful use of rhythm and harmony. In addition to her work as a composer, Langer is also a respected educator and has taught composition at the Royal College of Music in London. She has also served as a mentor to young composers through programs such as the London Symphony Orchestra's Panufnik Scheme. Langer's music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Composers in 2009 and the British Composer Award for Stage Works in 2017. Her music has been recorded by leading labels such as NMC Recordings and Signum Classics. In conclusion, Elena Langer is a contemporary classical music composer who has become one of the most prominent figures in the UK's classical music scene. Her eclectic style and imaginative approach to composition have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following. With her continued output of innovative and emotionally resonant works, Langer is sure to remain a major force in the world of classical music for years to come.

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