Role

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Composer

Birth

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January 26, 1977 in Riga, Latvia

 

Eriks Esenvalds is a Latvian composer of classical music, known for his choral works that have been performed by choirs around the world. Born on January 26, 1977, in Priekule, Latvia, Esenvalds grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended the Latvian Academy of Music, where he studied composition with Selga Mence and graduated in 2004 with a Master's degree in composition. Esenvalds' early works were influenced by Latvian folk music and the choral tradition of his homeland. His first major composition, "Stars," was written in 2001 and won the Latvian Grand Music Award for Best Choral Work. This piece, which features a solo soprano and a choir, is based on a Latvian folk song and incorporates elements of nature, such as the sound of wind and the twinkling of stars. In 2006, Esenvalds won the International Rostrum of Composers prize for his work "Northern Lights," which was inspired by the aurora borealis. This piece, which features a choir and a solo violin, has become one of Esenvalds' most popular works and has been performed by choirs around the world. Esenvalds' music is often characterized by its use of unusual sounds and textures, such as the use of water glasses in his piece "Only in Sleep," which was written in 2010. This piece, which is based on a Latvian folk song, has become one of Esenvalds' most well-known works and has been performed by choirs around the world. In addition to his choral works, Esenvalds has also written music for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments. His orchestral work "Lakes Awake at Dawn," which was written in 2014, was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and has been performed by orchestras around the world. Esenvalds' music has been praised for its beauty, lyricism, and emotional depth. His works often explore themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience. He has been compared to composers such as Arvo Part and John Tavener, and his music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "deeply moving." Esenvalds has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Latvian Grand Music Award, the International Rostrum of Composers prize, and the Paul Revere Award for Graphic Excellence. He has also been commissioned by a number of prestigious organizations, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Latvian National Opera, and the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge. Despite his success, Esenvalds remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to compose new works and collaborate with musicians around the world. His music has touched the hearts of countless listeners and has helped to establish him as one of the most important composers of our time.

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