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Helena Winkelman is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on May 23, 1974, in Zurich, Switzerland. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her father being a violinist and her mother a pianist. From a young age, Winkelman showed a keen interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of four. Winkelman's musical education began at the Zurich Conservatory, where she studied violin and composition. She later went on to study at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, Germany, where she received a degree in composition. During her studies, Winkelman was influenced by the works of contemporary composers such as György Ligeti, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Helmut Lachenmann. After completing her studies, Winkelman began working as a freelance composer and violinist. Her compositions have been performed by various orchestras and ensembles, including the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Munich Chamber Orchestra, and the Ensemble Modern. In addition to her work as a composer, Winkelman has also performed as a violinist with various orchestras and ensembles. One of Winkelman's most notable works is her violin concerto, "Lichtes Spiel," which was commissioned by the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2010. The concerto is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as harmonics and glissandi, and its incorporation of folk music elements. The work has been praised for its virtuosic violin writing and its ability to evoke a sense of playfulness and lightness. Another notable work by Winkelman is her chamber opera, "Die Schneekönigin," which is based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. The opera was commissioned by the Munich Chamber Orchestra and premiered in 2014. The work features a small ensemble of musicians and incorporates elements of folk music and improvisation. The opera has been praised for its imaginative use of instrumentation and its ability to capture the magical and mysterious atmosphere of the fairy tale. Winkelman's music is characterized by its use of extended techniques, unconventional instrumentation, and incorporation of folk music elements. Her works often explore themes of nature, mythology, and spirituality. In addition to her work as a composer, Winkelman is also a dedicated teacher and has taught composition at various institutions, including the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich and the Zurich University of the Arts. Overall, Helena Winkelman is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the contemporary classical music scene. Her works are characterized by their imaginative use of instrumentation and their ability to evoke a sense of playfulness and wonder. With her unique voice and dedication to her craft, Winkelman is sure to continue making waves in the world of classical music for years to come.

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