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Composer Performer

 

Alla Elana Cohen is a classical music composer who was born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1963. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a composer. From a young age, Cohen showed a natural talent for music and began studying piano and composition at the age of six. Cohen's family immigrated to the United States in 1979, settling in New York City. She continued her musical studies at the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. She went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the Juilliard School. Cohen's early works were heavily influenced by her Ukrainian heritage, incorporating folk melodies and rhythms into her compositions. Her music also reflects her interest in the works of composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. One of Cohen's early works, "Ukrainian Suite," was premiered by the Kiev Symphony Orchestra in 1989. The piece features traditional Ukrainian melodies and rhythms, arranged in a classical style. The suite was well-received and helped establish Cohen as a composer to watch. In the 1990s, Cohen began to explore more experimental forms of composition, incorporating electronic and computer-generated sounds into her works. She also began to collaborate with other artists, including dancers and visual artists, to create multimedia performances. One of Cohen's most notable works from this period is "The Garden of Joys and Sorrows," a multimedia piece that combines music, dance, and video projections. The piece explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, and features a score that blends classical and electronic elements. In the early 2000s, Cohen returned to more traditional forms of composition, focusing on chamber music and solo piano works. Her music during this period is characterized by its lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies. One of Cohen's most popular works from this period is "Piano Sonata No. 2," which was premiered by pianist Yael Weiss in 2005. The sonata is a virtuosic work that showcases Cohen's skill as a pianist and composer. Cohen's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Kiev Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Tokyo String Quartet. She has also received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the Aaron Copland Award. In addition to her work as a composer, Cohen is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught composition and piano at the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Overall, Alla Elana Cohen is a composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her music reflects her diverse influences and interests, and her dedication to teaching and mentoring ensures that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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