Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1955 in Palo Alto, CA

 

Anne La Berge is a contemporary classical music composer, flutist, and improviser. She was born on July 4, 1955, in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. La Berge grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a pianist and her father a jazz drummer. She started playing the flute at the age of nine and later studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance. After completing her studies, La Berge moved to Amsterdam, where she has been based ever since. She continued her musical education at the Sweelinck Conservatory, where she studied with flutist Harrie Starreveld and composer Ton de Leeuw. During this time, La Berge became interested in contemporary music and started to experiment with extended techniques on the flute, such as multiphonics and microtones. La Berge's early compositions were influenced by the American minimalism movement, particularly the works of Steve Reich and Philip Glass. Her first major composition, "Rothko Chapel," was written in 1981 for flute, percussion, and tape. The piece was inspired by the paintings of Mark Rothko and features repetitive patterns and slowly evolving harmonies. In the 1990s, La Berge started to incorporate improvisation into her compositions, which led to collaborations with improvisers such as saxophonist Evan Parker and pianist John Tilbury. Her compositions during this period often featured graphic notation and indeterminate elements, allowing for a greater degree of spontaneity and improvisation. One of La Berge's most significant works is "Speak", a multimedia piece for flute, voice, and electronics. The piece was inspired by the writings of Gertrude Stein and explores the relationship between language and music. "Speak" premiered in 2002 and has since been performed in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan. Another notable work by La Berge is "The Hum," a piece for flute, electronics, and video. The piece was inspired by the sound of humming and features La Berge's extended flute techniques, as well as live processing of the flute sound. The accompanying video features images of hummingbirds and other natural phenomena. La Berge's compositions often explore themes of language, identity, and perception. Her works are characterized by a sense of experimentation and a willingness to push the boundaries of traditional musical forms. In addition to her work as a composer, La Berge is also an active performer and has recorded numerous albums as a flutist and improviser. Overall, Anne La Berge is a pioneering figure in contemporary classical music, known for her innovative compositions and fearless approach to experimentation. Her works continue to inspire and challenge audiences around the world, and her contributions to the field of music will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

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