Laura Kaminsky
Possessing “an ear for the new and interesting” (The New York Times), Laura Kaminsky frequently addresses social and political issues in her work with a distinct musical language that is “full of fire as well as ice, contrasting dissonance and violence with tonal beauty and meditative reflection.” (American Record Guide). As One (2014; co-librettists Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed) is among the most produced contemporary operas since its premiere. Other operas include Some Light Emerges, Today It Rains, Hometown to the World, Finding Wright. She is co-librettist (with novelist Lisa Moore) and composer for February (2023). Awarded the 2016 Polish Gold Cross of Merit (Zloty Krzyż Zasługi RP) by the President of Poland for exemplary public service/ humanitarian work, Kaminsky has been recognized by the NEA, Koussevitzky Music Foundation, Opera America, Chamber Music America, and USArtists International, among others. On the Purchase College/SUNY faculty, she is a composer-mentor for Juilliard School’s Blueprint Fellowship program.
Photo: Rebecca Allan