Aaron Jay Kernis is a distinguished American composer renowned for his significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in Philadelphia in 1960, Kernis has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize in 1998, the Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition in 2002, and the Nemmers Prize in 2012. His compositions are celebrated for their emotional depth and innovative approach, often aligning with the minimalist genre.
Kernis' music is performed and commissioned globally, reflecting his status as one of America's most honoured composers. He has held esteemed positions, such as the music advisor to the Minnesota Orchestra and the director of the Minnesota Orchestra's Composers' Institute. Currently, he serves as the workshop director of the Nashville Symphony Composer Lab and is a faculty member at the Yale School of Music.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kernis is a devoted family man, residing in New York City with his wife, pianist Evelyne Luest, and their two children. His personal and artistic journeys continue to inspire, making him a prominent figure in contemporary classical music.
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