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Composer  

 

Ljova, born Lev Zhurbin, is a Russian-born composer, arranger, and violist who has made a name for himself in the world of classical and contemporary music. He was born on February 23, 1978, in Moscow, Russia, to a family of musicians. His father, Alexander Zhurbin, is a well-known composer, and his mother, Irina Mozharova, is a pianist. Ljova grew up surrounded by music and began playing the violin at the age of four. In 1990, Ljova and his family moved to the United States, where he continued his musical education. He attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied viola with Samuel Rhodes and composition with John Corigliano. During his time at Juilliard, Ljova began to explore his interest in composition and began writing his own music. Ljova's music is a unique blend of classical, folk, and contemporary styles. He draws inspiration from his Russian heritage, as well as from the diverse musical traditions of New York City, where he has lived for most of his life. His compositions often feature unusual instrumentation, such as the accordion, cimbalom, and glockenspiel, and he is known for his use of extended techniques on the viola. One of Ljova's most well-known works is his "Vjola Suite," a collection of pieces for solo viola that he composed in 2006. The suite is a tribute to Ljova's grandfather, who was a violinist in the Soviet Union. The pieces in the suite are based on traditional Russian folk melodies, but Ljova has given them a contemporary twist, incorporating elements of jazz and other styles. The suite has been performed by violists around the world and has been praised for its virtuosity and emotional depth. Another notable work by Ljova is his "Bagel on the Malecon," a piece for string quartet and percussion that he composed in 2012. The piece was inspired by Ljova's travels to Cuba and features rhythms and melodies that are reminiscent of Cuban music. The title of the piece refers to a Jewish bakery that Ljova discovered on the Malecon, a famous seaside promenade in Havana. In addition to his work as a composer, Ljova is also an accomplished arranger. He has arranged music for a wide range of artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, the Kronos Quartet, and the Silk Road Ensemble. His arrangements often incorporate elements of different musical traditions, creating a unique and eclectic sound. Ljova's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Seattle Symphony, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the A Far Cry chamber orchestra. He has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including the singer-songwriter Inna Barmash and the choreographer Aszure Barton. In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Ljova is also a sought-after performer. He has played viola on numerous recordings and has performed with a variety of ensembles, including the Silk Road Ensemble and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Overall, Ljova's music is characterized by its unique blend of styles and its emotional depth. He has been praised for his ability to create music that is both accessible and complex, and his work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. As he continues to explore new musical territories, Ljova is sure to remain a prominent figure in the world of classical and contemporary music.

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