Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 9, 1953 in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Roberto Sierra is a Puerto Rican composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 9, 1953, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Sierra grew up in a family that valued music. His father was a singer and guitarist, and his mother was a pianist. Sierra began playing the guitar at a young age and later learned to play the piano. Sierra's interest in music led him to study at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, where he received a degree in composition. He then went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he earned a master's degree in composition. Sierra also studied at the University of California, San Diego, where he received a Ph.D. in music composition. Sierra's early works were influenced by the music of his native Puerto Rico. He often incorporated elements of Puerto Rican folk music into his compositions, creating a unique blend of classical and folk music. One of his early works, "Tres Cantos," was written for guitar and string quartet and was inspired by Puerto Rican folk music. Sierra's music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also been commissioned to write works for a variety of ensembles, including the Kronos Quartet, the American Brass Quintet, and the National Symphony Orchestra. One of Sierra's most famous works is his Symphony No. 3, "La Salsa," which was commissioned by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The symphony is a tribute to the music of Puerto Rico and incorporates elements of salsa music into the classical form. The work has been performed by orchestras around the world and has received critical acclaim. Sierra's other notable works include his Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra, which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered in 2002. The concerto features four saxophones and is a virtuosic showcase for the instrument. Sierra's "Fandangos" for guitar and orchestra is another popular work that has been performed by many leading guitarists. Sierra has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 2010, he was awarded the Tomás Luis de Victoria Prize, which is given to the best composer of the year by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. He has also been awarded the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award and the Kennedy Center Friedheim Award. In addition to his work as a composer, Sierra is also a respected educator. He has taught at the University of Puerto Rico, the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Hartford. He has also served as a guest lecturer at many universities and conservatories around the world. Sierra's music continues to be performed and recorded by leading orchestras and ensembles. His unique blend of classical and folk music has made him one of the most important composers of his generation. His contributions to classical music have helped to expand the boundaries of the genre and have inspired many young composers to explore new musical forms.

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