David Lesser

David Lesser is a British composer and pianist known primarily for his contemporary chamber, vocal, and piano works, which have been performed across Europe and the Middle East. Born in 1966 in Birmingham, he studied composition at the Royal College of Music in London and the University of Huddersfield, earning an MA while studying under notable teachers including Philip Cannon and Margaret Lucy Wilkins. Lesser specializes in modern and contemporary music performance and often collaborates with his wife, soprano Clare Lesser. His recorded work includes pieces by himself and composers like Michael Finnissy and Wolfgang Rihm, showcasing his skills as both a pianist and advocate for new vocal music.

Besides his performing career, Lesser has been deeply involved in music education, holding teaching positions at institutions including the University of Warwick, American Universities in Dubai and Sharjah, and currently at New York University Abu Dhabi. His projects also include commissioning and premiering new works, especially for voice and piano, often with Clare Lesser as the featured soprano. He continues to compose and perform, with recent recordings focused on vocal contemporary music by John Cage and Michael Finnissy.

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