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Composer Performer

 

Lembit Beecher is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1980 in Santa Barbara, California. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his mother being a pianist and his father a composer. Beecher started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the viola. He attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Michigan. Beecher's compositions are known for their emotional depth and unique soundscapes. He draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including literature, nature, and personal experiences. His works often feature unconventional instrumentation and incorporate elements of folk music and other genres. One of Beecher's most notable works is his opera "Sophia's Forest," which premiered in 2017 at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. The opera tells the story of a young girl who is lost in the forest and encounters a variety of magical creatures. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and intricate vocal lines, and the production features elaborate sets and costumes. Another notable work by Beecher is his chamber opera "I Have No Stories to Tell You," which premiered in 2014 at the Curtis Institute of Music. The opera tells the story of a soldier who returns home from war and struggles to reconnect with his wife. The music is characterized by its haunting melodies and sparse instrumentation, and the production features a minimalist set and lighting design. Beecher has also composed a number of works for orchestra, including "The Conference of the Birds," which premiered in 2015 with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The piece is based on a Persian fable and features a variety of exotic instruments, including the duduk and the santur. The music is characterized by its intricate rhythms and colorful orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Beecher is also an accomplished violist. He has performed with a number of orchestras and chamber ensembles, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. He is also a member of the chamber ensemble Sleeping Giant, which is known for its innovative approach to classical music. Beecher's music has been performed by a variety of ensembles and orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the American Composers Orchestra. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and a Fromm Music Foundation Commission. Overall, Lembit Beecher is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His works are characterized by their emotional depth, unique soundscapes, and unconventional instrumentation. With his continued dedication to his craft, Beecher is sure to remain a prominent figure in the world of classical music for years to come.

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