Praised by The New York Times for his "alluring, emotive" work, composer Lembit Beecher creates intimate and dramatically potent musical experiences. In 2011 Beecher was appointed to a three-year term as the inaugural composer-in-residence of Opera Philadelphia, in collaboration with Gotham Chamber Opera and Music Theatre Group of New York. Drawing on family stories about Estonia and the immigrant experience, Beecher has written And Then I Remember, a documentary oratorio based on interviews with his grandmother, which won the Opera Vista Competition for new opera. His recent focus on vocal writing and dramatic works has led to collaborations with Cantori New York, Tapestry New Opera, and mezzo-soprano Laura Mercado-Wright. In 2015, Beecher received Center support to create Sophia's Forest, a multi-disciplinary chamber opera scored for mezzo-soprano, string quartet, and a sculptural musical instrument.
