Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Ukraine

Birth

:

November 7, 1956 in Ukraine

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

Misha Alperin was a Ukrainian-born jazz and classical pianist, composer, and arranger. He was born on November 7, 1956, in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine. Alperin grew up in a musical family, and his father was a professional accordionist. He began playing the piano at the age of six and showed a natural talent for music. Alperin studied at the Odessa Conservatory, where he received a classical music education. In the early 1980s, Alperin moved to Norway, where he became a prominent figure in the Norwegian jazz scene. He formed a trio with bassist Arild Andersen and drummer Jon Christensen, and they released their debut album, "First Impression," in 1982. The album received critical acclaim and established Alperin as a rising star in the jazz world. Alperin continued to release albums with his trio throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Wave of Sorrow" (1987), "North Story" (1994), and "Her First Dance" (1996). He also collaborated with other musicians, including saxophonist John Surman and singer Maria João. In addition to his work in jazz, Alperin was also a prolific composer and arranger of classical music. He wrote several pieces for chamber ensembles, including "Silent Dreams" (1995) and "Night" (1997). He also arranged works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Shostakovich for jazz ensembles. Alperin's music was characterized by its unique blend of jazz and classical influences. He often incorporated elements of folk music from his native Ukraine into his compositions, creating a sound that was both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Throughout his career, Alperin received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music. In 1992, he was awarded the Buddy Prize, the highest honor in Norwegian jazz. He also received the Edvard Prize, Norway's most prestigious music award, in 1995 and 2000. Alperin continued to perform and record music until his death on May 11, 2018, at the age of 61. His legacy as a pioneering musician and composer continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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