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Clare Connors, also known as Alexander Balanescu, is a Romanian-born British composer and violinist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on June 11, 1954, in Bucharest, Romania, Balanescu grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Balanescu began playing the violin at the age of seven and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Balanescu's family moved to London when he was 14 years old, and he continued his musical education at the Yehudi Menuhin School. He later studied at the Royal College of Music, where he won several awards for his performances. Balanescu's early influences included classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, as well as jazz and rock music. In the 1970s, Balanescu became involved in the London music scene, playing with various bands and musicians. He played with the Michael Nyman Band, which was known for its minimalist style, and later formed his own group, the Balanescu Quartet. The quartet consisted of Balanescu on violin, James Shenton on violin, Katie Wilkinson on viola, and Nick Holland on cello. The Balanescu Quartet gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s for their unique blend of classical, rock, and electronic music. They released several albums, including "Possessed," "Luminitza," and "Angels and Insects." The quartet also collaborated with other musicians, including David Byrne, Kate Bush, and Pet Shop Boys. In addition to his work with the Balanescu Quartet, Balanescu has composed music for film, television, and theater. He has worked with directors such as Peter Greenaway and Michael Winterbottom, and his music has been featured in films such as "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover" and "The Pillow Book." Balanescu's compositions are known for their experimental and eclectic style, blending classical and contemporary elements. He has been influenced by a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, rock, and electronic music. His music often features complex rhythms and unconventional instrumentation, such as the use of electric guitars and synthesizers in classical compositions. One of Balanescu's most notable works is his "Maria T" trilogy, which was inspired by the life of Maria Tanase, a Romanian folk singer. The trilogy consists of three albums, "Maria T," "Maria T Remixes," and "Maria T - Live in London." The albums feature Balanescu's arrangements of Tanase's songs, as well as original compositions inspired by her music. Balanescu has also composed music for dance performances, including works for the London Contemporary Dance Theatre and the Royal Ballet. He has collaborated with choreographers such as Siobhan Davies and Michael Clark, and his music has been performed at venues such as the Royal Opera House and Sadler's Wells. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Balanescu has also been involved in music education. He has taught at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and has given masterclasses and workshops around the world. Balanescu's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with several awards and honors. He was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the Romanian government in 2004, and was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2016 for his services to music.

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