Elena Kats-Chernin

Composer Elena Kats-Chernin (born 1957, Tashkent) emigrated to Australia from the Soviet Union in 1975. She studied composition with Richard Toop, and later with Helmut Lachenmann in Germany. While in Europe she became active in theatre and

Composer Elena Kats-Chernin (born 1957, Tashkent) emigrated to Australia from the Soviet Union in 1975. She studied composition with Richard Toop, and later with Helmut Lachenmann in Germany. While in Europe she became active in theatre and ballet, composing for state theatres in Berlin, Vienna, Hamburg and Bochum. In 1993 she wrote Clocks for the Ensemble Modern. It has since been performed around the world, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, USA and Australia.

Since returning to Australia in 1994, Kats-Chernin has written three operas, two piano concertos and works for many performers and ensembles, including The Song Company, Sydney Alpha Ensemble, Evelyn Glennie, Bang on a Can All-Stars, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony. Her music has featured at the opening ceremonies of both the 2000 Olympic Games and the 2003 Rugby World Cup.