Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1981 in Ann Arbor, MI

 

Kate Soper is a contemporary American composer, vocalist, and writer who has made a significant impact on the classical music scene. Born in Washington D.C. in 1981, Soper grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. She later studied composition and voice at the New England Conservatory of Music and Columbia University, where she earned her Ph.D. in music composition. Soper's music is known for its innovative use of extended vocal techniques and unconventional instrumentation. Her compositions often incorporate elements of theater, poetry, and performance art, and she frequently collaborates with other artists to create interdisciplinary works. Soper's music has been performed by leading ensembles and soloists around the world, including the International Contemporary Ensemble, the JACK Quartet, and soprano Tony Arnold. One of Soper's most notable works is her opera "Here Be Sirens," which premiered in 2014 at Dixon Place in New York City. The opera is a reimagining of the myth of the sirens from Homer's "Odyssey," and features three female singers who play the roles of the sirens. The music is a blend of classical and contemporary styles, with intricate vocal harmonies and complex rhythms. The opera has been praised for its feminist themes and its exploration of the relationship between music and language. Another significant work by Soper is "Ipsa Dixit," a chamber music piece for voice, flute, violin, and percussion. The work is based on texts by Aristotle, Freud, and Wittgenstein, and explores the relationship between language and meaning. Soper's use of extended vocal techniques in this piece is particularly striking, with the singer producing a range of sounds from whispers to screams. Soper has also written several works for solo voice, including "Only the Words Themselves Mean What They Say," which features a text by the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. The piece is a tour-de-force for the singer, who must navigate complex rhythms and intricate vocal lines while conveying the meaning of the text. In addition to her work as a composer, Soper is also an accomplished performer and writer. She has performed as a soprano with numerous ensembles, including the Wet Ink Ensemble and the Mivos Quartet. She has also written several articles and essays on music and performance, including a piece on the use of extended vocal techniques in contemporary music. Soper's music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a fellowship from the American Academy in Berlin. She has also been commissioned by leading organizations such as the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Overall, Kate Soper is a composer who has made a significant impact on the contemporary classical music scene. Her innovative use of extended vocal techniques and unconventional instrumentation has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in classical music, and her works have been praised for their intellectual rigor and emotional depth. As she continues to create new works and collaborate with other artists, it is clear that Soper will remain a major force in the world of classical music for years to come.

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