Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1973

 

Kevin Ernste is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1974 in Rochester, New York. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Ernste began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and guitar. He attended the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. After completing his undergraduate studies, Ernste went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Michigan. He then pursued a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition at Columbia University, where he studied with Tristan Murail and Fred Lerdahl. During his time at Columbia, Ernste also studied electronic music with Brad Garton and worked as a research assistant at the Columbia Computer Music Center. Ernste's compositions are known for their use of electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as their incorporation of field recordings and found sounds. His works often explore themes of nature, technology, and spirituality. One of his most notable works is "Night Music," a piece for orchestra and electronics that was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra and premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2011. The piece features a recording of crickets that Ernste made in his backyard, which he then manipulated and incorporated into the composition. Another notable work by Ernste is "The Earth, Split Open," a multimedia piece that was commissioned by the Guggenheim Museum in 2016. The piece features a live performance by the JACK Quartet, as well as video projections and field recordings of natural sounds. The work was inspired by the writings of the Sufi poet Rumi and explores themes of love, loss, and transcendence. Ernste has also collaborated with a number of other artists and musicians throughout his career. He has worked with choreographer Bill T. Jones on several dance productions, including "Fondly Do We Hope...Fervently Do We Pray" and "Story/Time." He has also collaborated with the electronic musician and composer Dan Trueman on several projects, including the album "Nostalgic Synchronic," which features compositions for the Hardanger fiddle and electronics. In addition to his work as a composer, Ernste is also a professor of music at Cornell University, where he teaches courses in composition, electronic music, and music theory. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fromm Foundation Commission, and a Fulbright Fellowship. Overall, Kevin Ernste is a highly respected and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the field of contemporary classical music. His works are known for their unique blend of acoustic and electronic elements, as well as their exploration of themes related to nature, technology, and spirituality. With his ongoing collaborations and continued dedication to his craft, Ernste is sure to remain a prominent figure in the world of classical music for years to come.

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