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Marcos Balter is a Brazilian-American composer who has made a name for himself in the world of contemporary classical music. Born in 1974 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Balter grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied composition at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas in Brazil and went on to earn a master's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a doctorate from Northwestern University. Balter's music is known for its complexity and experimentation, often incorporating unconventional techniques and sounds. He has been described as a "sonic alchemist" and a "musical magician" for his ability to create unique and otherworldly sounds. Balter's compositions often blur the line between acoustic and electronic music, using both traditional instruments and electronic manipulation to create his signature sound. One of Balter's most notable works is his 2010 piece "Pois Que Nada Que Dure, Ou, A Cena Secreta," which was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The piece is a tribute to the Brazilian poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade and features a large ensemble of musicians playing a variety of instruments, including a prepared piano and a toy piano. The piece is known for its intricate rhythms and complex textures, as well as its use of extended techniques such as bowing the piano strings. Another notable work by Balter is his 2014 piece "Chambers," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic. The piece is a collection of six short movements, each featuring a different combination of instruments. The movements range from delicate and introspective to explosive and chaotic, showcasing Balter's versatility as a composer. Balter has also collaborated with a number of other artists and musicians throughout his career. In 2016, he worked with the choreographer and dancer Kyle Abraham on a piece called "Dearest Home," which was performed by the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. The piece featured Balter's music alongside Abraham's choreography, creating a powerful and emotional performance. In addition to his work as a composer, Balter is also a professor of music composition at the University of California, San Diego. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Fromm Foundation Commission. Balter's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he continues to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music with his innovative and experimental compositions.

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