Role

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Composer

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Film

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Stefania de Kenessey is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1957. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her father being a composer and her mother a pianist. Her parents were both Holocaust survivors, and their experiences greatly influenced de Kenessey's music. De Kenessey began studying piano at a young age and later attended the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest. She continued her studies in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School and a Master of Music degree from Yale University. De Kenessey's music is known for its emotional intensity and exploration of complex themes. Her works often incorporate elements of Jewish and Hungarian folk music, as well as contemporary classical techniques. One of de Kenessey's most notable works is her opera "Bonfire of the Vanities," which premiered in 2015 at the Chelsea Opera in New York City. The opera is based on the novel of the same name by Tom Wolfe and explores themes of greed, corruption, and social inequality. The music is a blend of classical and popular styles, with influences ranging from Mozart to rock and roll. Another notable work by de Kenessey is her chamber opera "The Poet and the Tsar," which premiered in 2006 at the Center for Contemporary Opera in New York City. The opera tells the story of Alexander Pushkin, the famous Russian poet, and his relationship with Tsar Nicholas I. The music incorporates elements of Russian folk music and features a small ensemble of musicians. De Kenessey has also composed numerous works for orchestra, including "The Glass Hammer," which was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra and premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2001. The piece is inspired by the story of the biblical figure Samson and explores themes of power and betrayal. In addition to her work as a composer, de Kenessey is also a professor of music at the City College of New York. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Overall, Stefania de Kenessey is a highly respected and influential composer in the contemporary classical music world. Her works are known for their emotional depth and exploration of complex themes, and she continues to be a major force in the world of classical music today.

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