Role

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Composer

Birth

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in Belarus

 

Olga Amelkina-Vera is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in Moscow, Russia in 1976. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a composer. From a young age, Olga showed a great interest in music and began studying piano and composition at the age of six. Olga's musical education continued at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where she studied composition with Yuri Kholopov and piano with Vera Gornostaeva. She also attended masterclasses with renowned composers such as Sofia Gubaidulina and Edison Denisov. In 2000, Olga moved to the United States to pursue further studies in composition at the University of Michigan, where she earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree. During her time at the University of Michigan, Olga studied with William Bolcom, Michael Daugherty, and Evan Chambers. Olga's compositions are characterized by their unique blend of Russian and American musical influences. Her works often feature intricate rhythms, lush harmonies, and a wide range of instrumental colors. She has written for a variety of ensembles, including orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments. One of Olga's most notable works is her Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra and premiered in 2012. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Olga's skill in orchestration and her ability to create a cohesive musical narrative. The piece has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to connect with audiences. Another highlight of Olga's career is her collaboration with the Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth. In 2016, Olga was commissioned to write a piece for the ensemble, which resulted in the composition "Ko-Lho." The piece features a unique blend of vocal techniques, including Tuvan throat singing and yodeling, and has been performed by Roomful of Teeth at venues across the United States. Olga's other notable works include "The River of Light," a concerto for marimba and orchestra, and "The Garden of Joy and Sorrow," a chamber work for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. Her music has been performed by a variety of ensembles, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Moscow Contemporary Music Ensemble, and the New York New Music Ensemble. In addition to her work as a composer, Olga is also an accomplished pianist and has performed her own works as well as those of other composers. She has been a guest artist at numerous festivals and conferences, including the Moscow Autumn Festival, the American Composers Orchestra EarShot Readings, and the International Festival of Contemporary Music "Moscow Forum." Olga's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has received grants and commissions from organizations such as the American Composers Forum, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the Jerome Foundation. In 2017, she was awarded the Koussevitzky Music Foundation Commission for a new work for orchestra. In conclusion, Olga Amelkina-Vera is a talented and accomplished composer whose works have been praised for their emotional depth and unique blend of musical influences. Her contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and commissions, and her music continues to be performed by ensembles around the world.

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