music.wikisort.org - Composer

Eric Stern is an American vocalist, accordionist, composer, arranger, and pianist based in Portland, Oregon, best known as the founder and artistic director of the band Vagabond Opera.[1] He also performs as a soloist, as well as with the Eric Stern Trio. Stern, with Vagabond Opera, has appeared on NPR[2] and performed at the Kennedy Center,[3] the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco,[4] Joe's Pub in New York City.[5]

Eric Stern
Born	(1971-06-09) June 9, 1971 (age 51)[citation needed] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Genres	Opera, Cabaret, Jazz, Bohemian
Occupation(s)	Musician, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer, songwriter
Instrument(s)	Vocals, piano, accordion
Years active	2002–present
Website	ericsternevents.com

Career

Stern was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in June 1971 and trained as a vocalist at the Delaware Valley Opera Company. At the age of 21, Stern decided to pursue writing and moved to Paris, returning to the U.S., and to music, a year and a half later.[6]

In 2002, Stern founded the group Vagabond Opera, known for their blend of eclectic musical styles, including German cabaret, Klezmer, and jazz.[2][6] The band released four albums until their hiatus in 2015.[7] With the band, Stern also wrote, composed and performed the 2010 opera Queen of Knives, in collaboration with Wanderlust Circus.[8][9]

Stern has recorded and performed with a variety of musical acts including The Decemberists,[10] Balkan Beat Box, Unwoman, Pink Martini, and DeVotchka.[11] In 2011, Stern composed the score for the Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre's production of Pinocchio.[12]

In March 2015, Stern's independent production company, Hungry Opera Machine, debuted its first opera at the Alberta Rose Theatre: Flour, Salt, & Moonbeams. It was well received by critics.[13]

Stern currently works as the Events Coordinator and Cultural Arts Ambassador for Eastside Jewish Commons, a nonprofit in Porland, Oregon.[14]

Awards

ASCAP Concert Division Panel award recognizing creative contributions to American music (September 2011).

Discography

With Vagabond Opera

• Get on the Train (2004)
• Vagabond Opera (2006)
• The Zeitgeist Beckons (2009)
• Sing For Your Lives (2011)

Solo

• Stern Little Stories (2012)
• Ashes of Rembetiko (2017)

References

External links

• Official website

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