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Lauren Bernofsky is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1967 in Rochester, New York. She grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a pianist and her father a violinist. Bernofsky began playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the violin and viola. She also sang in choirs and played in orchestras throughout her childhood. Bernofsky attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. She then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Michigan. During her time at Michigan, Bernofsky studied with William Bolcom, William Albright, and Michael Daugherty, all of whom had a significant influence on her musical style. Bernofsky's compositions are known for their accessibility and emotional depth. She often draws inspiration from literature, nature, and personal experiences. Her works have been performed by orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists around the world. One of Bernofsky's most well-known works is her "Concerto for Two Violas," which was commissioned by the American Viola Society in 2002. The piece features two solo violas and an orchestra and is known for its lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies. The concerto has been performed by numerous orchestras, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the New York Youth Symphony. Another notable work by Bernofsky is her "Symphony No. 1," which was commissioned by the New York Youth Symphony in 2005. The piece is a tribute to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks and features four movements, each representing a different aspect of the tragedy. The symphony has been performed by orchestras around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. In addition to her orchestral works, Bernofsky has also composed numerous chamber music pieces. One of her most popular chamber works is "Songs of Love and War," a song cycle for soprano and piano that sets poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay. The cycle has been performed by numerous singers and pianists and has been praised for its emotional depth and musical beauty. Bernofsky has received numerous awards and honors for her compositions, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the National Federation of Music Clubs Young Composers Award. She has also been a resident composer at the MacDowell Colony and the Yaddo Artist Colony. In addition to her work as a composer, Bernofsky is also an active educator. She has taught composition and music theory at several universities, including the University of Delaware and the University of Colorado Boulder. She has also served as a guest lecturer and clinician at numerous schools and music festivals. Overall, Lauren Bernofsky is a talented and accomplished composer whose works have been praised for their emotional depth and accessibility. Her compositions have been performed by orchestras and chamber ensembles around the world, and she has received numerous awards and honors for her work. Bernofsky's contributions to the world of classical music are significant, and her legacy as a composer and educator will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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