Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Serbia

Birth

:

1970

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Aleksandra Vrebalov is a Serbian-born composer who has made a name for herself in the world of contemporary classical music. Born on October 22, 1970, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Vrebalov grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a composer and her mother was a pianist, so it was only natural that Vrebalov would follow in their footsteps. Vrebalov began her musical education at the age of six, studying piano and music theory. She later attended the Novi Sad Academy of Arts, where she studied composition with Isidora Zebeljan. After completing her studies in Serbia, Vrebalov moved to the United States to pursue further education in music. In 1995, Vrebalov enrolled in the composition program at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She studied with Elinor Armer and David Conte, and earned her Master of Music degree in 1997. Vrebalov then went on to earn her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan, where she studied with William Bolcom and Michael Daugherty. Throughout her career, Vrebalov has composed works for a variety of ensembles and performers. Her music is often inspired by her Serbian heritage, as well as by the natural world. Vrebalov's compositions are known for their use of unconventional instruments and techniques, as well as for their emotional depth and complexity. One of Vrebalov's most notable works is "Pannonia Boundless," a piece for string quartet and electronics. The piece was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet and premiered in 2008. "Pannonia Boundless" is inspired by the landscape and culture of Vrebalov's native Serbia, and features recordings of traditional Serbian music woven into the score. Another notable work by Vrebalov is "The Sea Ranch Songs," a piece for string quartet, choir, and electronics. The piece was commissioned by the Del Sol String Quartet and premiered in 2015. "The Sea Ranch Songs" is inspired by the natural beauty of the Northern California coast, where Vrebalov lives and works. In addition to her work as a composer, Vrebalov is also a sought-after lecturer and educator. She has taught at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the University of Michigan, and the University of California, Berkeley. Vrebalov has also served as a guest lecturer and composer-in-residence at numerous institutions around the world. Vrebalov's music has been performed by some of the world's leading ensembles and performers, including the Kronos Quartet, the Del Sol String Quartet, the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, and the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra. Her work has been featured at festivals and venues around the world, including the Lincoln Center Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Kennedy Center. In recognition of her contributions to the world of contemporary classical music, Vrebalov has received numerous awards and honors. She was a recipient of the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2006, and was named a Guggenheim Fellow in 2011. Vrebalov has also been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Composers Forum, and the Fromm Music Foundation. Overall, Aleksandra Vrebalov is a composer who has made a significant impact on the world of contemporary classical music. Her unique style and innovative approach to composition have earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting and original voices in the field today.

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