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Composer Performer

 

Erin Rogers is a contemporary classical music composer and saxophonist based in New York City. She was born in 1980 in the small town of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a pianist and her father played guitar, and they encouraged her to pursue music from a young age. Rogers began playing the saxophone in middle school and quickly fell in love with the instrument. She went on to study music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in saxophone performance. During her time at the university, she also studied composition with Stephen Dembski and Laura Schwendinger. After completing her undergraduate studies, Rogers moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. She earned a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with saxophonist and composer John Zorn. She also studied composition with Reiko Fueting and Nils Vigeland. As a composer, Rogers has written works for a variety of ensembles, including chamber groups, orchestras, and wind ensembles. Her music is characterized by its intricate rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and use of extended techniques. She often draws inspiration from literature, visual art, and the natural world. One of Rogers' most notable works is "The Sun at Midnight," a concerto for saxophone and orchestra that was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra. The piece was inspired by the landscape of the Arctic Circle, where the sun remains visible at midnight during the summer months. The concerto features virtuosic saxophone solos and lush orchestration, and has been performed by saxophonists around the world. Another notable work by Rogers is "The Wind Will Take Us," a piece for wind ensemble that was commissioned by the University of Michigan Symphony Band. The piece was inspired by the poetry of Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, and features intricate rhythms and soaring melodies. In addition to her work as a composer, Rogers is also an accomplished saxophonist. She has performed with a variety of ensembles, including the International Contemporary Ensemble, the Wet Ink Ensemble, and the Talea Ensemble. She is also a founding member of the contemporary music ensemble thingNY. Rogers has received numerous awards and honors for her work as a composer, including a Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and a Fromm Foundation Commission. Her music has been performed at venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Overall, Erin Rogers is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Her works are characterized by their intricate rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and use of extended techniques, and she draws inspiration from a wide range of sources. With her unique voice and dedication to pushing the boundaries of classical music, Rogers is sure to continue making an impact in the years to come.

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