updated 17 September 2021
© Barbara Czartoryska

Agata Zubel

Polish composer and singer born 25 January 1978 in Wrocław.

Agata Zubel studied composition with Jan Wichrowski and singing with Danuta Paziuk-Zipser at the Wrocław Music Academy, graduating primus inter pares. She went on to study at the Conservatoruim Hogeschool Enschede in Holland. Since 2002, she has been a professor at the Wrocław Music Academy. In 2014, she received a Doctorate in Musical Arts. She is currently a member of the Polish Composers’ Union.

In 2001, she founded the ElettroVoce Duo with pianist and composer Cezary Duchnowski.

In 2011, she was composer-in-residence at the Other Minds Festival in San Francisco. She was also composer-in-residence with the Krakow Philharmonic during their 2010 and 2012 seasons. In 2019, she was composer-in-residence with the Ensemble 2e2m in Paris. In 2020 she obtained a professor degree in arts.

Zubel has worked with ensembles such as musikFabrik, Ictus, Seattle Chamber Players, Münchener Kammerorchester, Neue Vocalsolisten, Remix Ensemble, Ensemble 2e2m, to name just a few. She has been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Ensemble InterContemporain, Klangforum Wien, London Sinfonietta, SWR Radio and the Polish Institute in Tel Aviv.

Her works have been performed at numerous festivals, such as Warsaw Autumn, Musica Polonica Nova Festival in Wroclaw, Audio-Art Festival, Andrzej Panufnik’s Music Days in Krakow, Festival Adam Didur, Chanterelle Festival, Alternativa in Moscow, Corso Polonia in Rome, Velvet Curtain in Lviv, and Musikhøst Odense in Denmark. She has also appeared as a singer at the BBC Proms, Wien Modern, Donaueschingen Musiktage, Festival d’Automne in Paris, Darmstadt Summer Course, Ultraschall Festival in Berlin, Wittener Tage für Neue Kammermusik, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, and Avanti! in Finland.

In 2010, her opera/ballet Between was premiered at the Warsaw National Opera, and in 2011, she was commisioned to write another opera, Oresteia, by the same institution. In 2016, she was commissioned by Klangforum Wien to compose the opera Bildbeschreibung; the work was premiered in 2018 at the Transart Festival in Bolzano (Italy).

Her work focuses primarily on vocal performance, but also on percussion, as in Re-Cycle (2001) for five percussionists, Nelumbo (2003) for four marimbas, Maximum load (2006) for percussion and computer, and Suite (2011) for percussion trio. Her music also makes frequent reference to literature, notably to the writing of Samuel Beckett (Not I (2010) and Cascando (2007)), as well as to the work of Polish authors such as Czesław Miłosz (Aphorisms on Miłosz (2011), A Song about the end of the world (1998)) and Tadeusz Dąbrowski (In between the ebb of thoughts and the flow of sleep (2013)).

Her discography includes more than a dozen releases, including albums of her own compositions, e.g., Not I and Cascando , as well as performances of works by Copland and Berg. Blots on the Sun, from her jazz trio El-Derwid, and more recently, Dream Lake, comprise the song cycles by Lutosławski and André Tchaïkovsky, respectively. Her music is published by PWM Edition.

Awards, Grants, and Prizes

  • Coryphaeus of Polish Music in the category “Event of the Year”, 2018;
  • European Composer Award for Fireworks, 2018;
  • “Gloria Artis” Medal, 2017;
  • Witold Lutosławski Society Prize, 2017;
  • Coryphaeus of Polish Music in the category “Personality of the Year”, 2016;
  • Union of Polish Composers Prize, 2014;
  • “Polonica Nova” Prize for Not I, 2014;
  • Composer Laureate of the International Tribune of Composers for Not I, 2013;
  • Fryderyk Prize from the Polish Recording Industry Association in the Contemporary Music category for the album Cascando, 2010&;
  • “Orpheus” Prize from the Association of Polish Artists & Musicians, 2009;
  • Wroclaw Music Award for the ElettroVoce Duo, 2008;
  • Wroclaw Music Award, 2005;
  • Special prize for the ElettroVoce Duoe at the International Gaudeamus Interpreters Competition in Amsterdam, 2005;
  • First Prize in the Krzysztof Penderecki International Competition of Contemporary Chamber Music, 2002;
  • First Prize and Special Prize from the Polish National Radio in the National Adam Didur Competition for Composers, 2000;
  • First Prize and Special Prize from PWM Edition in the Andrzej Panufnik Competition for Composers, 1999.

© Ircam-Centre Pompidou, 2019

Sources

Site de la compositrice ; PWM ; ensemble 2e2m ; Le portrait contemporain.

  • Solo (excluding voice)
  • Chamber music
    • Photographs from an album for marimba and string quartet (2000), 17 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Re-Cycle for five percussionists (2001), 16 mn
    • Nelumbo for four marimbas (2003), 8 mn
    • elec String Quartet No. 1 for four cellos and computer (2006), 12 mn about
    • elec Shades of ice for clarinet, cello and electronics (2011), 9 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Suite for percussion trio (2011), 14 mn
    • Mother Lode I-III chamber music cycle (2017), 21 mn about
    • Piano piano but not pianissimo for piano(s) (2019), 10 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Friction for trumpet, trombone and tuba (2020), 9 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
  • Instrumental ensemble music
    • Symphony No. 1 for orchestra (2002), 15 mn
    • The streets of a human city for instrumental ensemble (2011), 16 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • In for large symphony orchestra (2013), 12 mn 30 s about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Where to for instrumental ensemble (2014), 20 mn
    • elec Double battery for instrumental ensemble with augmented sound space (2016), 20 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • In the shade of an unshed tear for orchestra (2016), 15 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Fireworks for large symphony orchestra (2018), 8 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • 3X3 for ensemble (2019), 20 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Triptyque for ensemble (2020), between 19 mn and 9 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
  • Concertant music
    • Ragnatela for bassoon and string orchestra (1999), 12 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Symphony No. 3 for double bell trumpet and symphony orchestra (2009), 25 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Violin concerto for violin and chamber orchestra (2014), 13 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Chamber piano concerto for piano(s) and ensemble (2018), 13 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Flash for percussion and ensemble (2021), between 20 mn and 9 mn about
  • Vocal music and instrument(s)
    • A song about the end of the world for voice, narrator and instrumental ensemble (1998), 10 mn
    • Lentille for string orchestra, voice and accordion (2001), 13 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • elec Unisono I for voice, percussion and computer (2003), 6 mn
    • elec Unisono II for voice, accordion and computer (2003), 9 mn
    • Concerto grosso for recorder, baroque violin, harpsichord and choir (2004), 18 mn about
    • Stories for voice and prepared piano (2004), 16 mn about
    • Cascando for voice, flute, clarinet, violin and cello (2007), 15 mn about
    • Of songs for soprano, cello, choir and orchestra (2007), 40 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • elec Not I for voice, instrumental ensemble and electronics (2010), 21 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Aphorisms on Miłosz for soprano and instrumental ensemble (2011), 20 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Labyrinth for voice and four instruments (2011), 10 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • elec stage Oresteia dramatic opera for soloists, actors, choir, percussion and electronics (2011), 1 h 20 mn about
    • Percussion store for percussion ensemble and orchestra (2012), 15 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • What is the word for voice and instrumental ensemble (2012), 10 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • In between the ebb of thoughts and the flow of sleep for voice, piano and string orchestra (2013), 14 mn 30 s, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Chapter 13 for soprano and instrumental ensemble (2015), 9 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • elec stage Bildbeschreibung opera for two voices, instrumental and electronic ensemble (2016), 1 h 40 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Cleopatra's songs for voice and instrumental ensemble (2017), 30 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • elec Unisono III for voice, cello and computer (2020), between 6 mn and 9 mn
  • A cappella vocal music
    • Birthday for mixed choir (1998), 4 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Meditations for mixed choir (1999), 5 mn
    • elec Parlando for voice and computer (2000), 8 mn about
    • elec stage Between opera / ballet for voice, dancers and electronics (2008), 51 mn
    • Lullaby for mixed choir (2013), 7 mn 30 s, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Madrigals for five voices (2015), 10 mn
    • The Alphabet of the Ars Brevis for two male voices (2016), 4 mn about
  • Unspecified instrumentation
  • 2021
    • Flash for percussion and ensemble, between 20 mn and 9 mn about
    • Pamięć z brązu for chime, between 16 mn and 9 mn
  • 2020
    • Friction for trumpet, trombone and tuba, 9 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Mono-drum for bass drum, between 7 mn and 9 mn
    • Triptyque for ensemble, between 19 mn and 9 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • elec Unisono III for voice, cello and computer, between 6 mn and 9 mn
  • 2019
  • 2018
    • Chamber piano concerto for piano(s) and ensemble, 13 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Fireworks for large symphony orchestra, 8 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
    • Chapter 13 for soprano and instrumental ensemble, 9 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Madrigals for five voices, 10 mn
  • 2014
    • Cadenza for violin, 5 mn 30 s about
    • Violin concerto for violin and chamber orchestra, 13 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Where to for instrumental ensemble, 20 mn
  • 2013
  • 2012
    • Percussion store for percussion ensemble and orchestra, 15 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • What is the word for voice and instrumental ensemble, 10 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Wounded angel for double bell trumpet, 8 mn about
  • 2011
    • Aphorisms on Miłosz for soprano and instrumental ensemble, 20 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Labyrinth for voice and four instruments, 10 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • elec stage Oresteia dramatic opera for soloists, actors, choir, percussion and electronics, 1 h 20 mn about
    • elec Shades of ice for clarinet, cello and electronics, 9 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Suite for percussion trio, 14 mn
    • The streets of a human city for instrumental ensemble, 16 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
  • 2010
    • elec Not I for voice, instrumental ensemble and electronics, 21 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
  • 2009
    • Symphony No. 3 for double bell trumpet and symphony orchestra, 25 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
  • 2008
    • elec stage Between opera / ballet for voice, dancers and electronics, 51 mn
  • 2007
    • Cascando for voice, flute, clarinet, violin and cello, 15 mn about
    • Of songs for soprano, cello, choir and orchestra, 40 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
  • 2006
  • 2005
  • 2004
    • Concerto grosso for recorder, baroque violin, harpsichord and choir, 18 mn about
    • Stories for voice and prepared piano, 16 mn about
  • 2003
    • Nelumbo for four marimbas, 8 mn
    • elec Unisono I for voice, percussion and computer, 6 mn
    • elec Unisono II for voice, accordion and computer, 9 mn
  • 2002
  • 2001
    • Lentille for string orchestra, voice and accordion, 13 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Re-Cycle for five percussionists, 16 mn
  • 2000
  • 1999
    • Ludia I Fu for guitar, 6 mn about , Modran 2000
    • Meditations for mixed choir, 5 mn
    • Ragnatela for bassoon and string orchestra, 12 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
  • 1998
  • 1997
    • Lumière for percussion, 10 mn about , PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)
    • Nocturne for violin, 8 mn, PWM (Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne)

Liens Internet

(liens vérifiés en septembre 2021).

Bibliographie

  • Daniel CICHY, Michèle TOSI, Aleksandra BILINSKA, Alan LOCKWOOD, Agata Zubel : entrée en matière, Champigny-sur-Marne, Ensemble 2e2m, 2019.

Discographie sélective

En tant que compositrice
  • Agata ZUBEL, Cleopatra’s Songs ; Double battery ; Violin concerto, dans « Cleopatra’s Songs », 1 CD Kairos, 2020, 0015068KAI.
  • Agata ZUBEL, The Alphabet of the Ars Brevis, Vokalensemble NOVA, dans « Die Logik der Engel », ORF1 2016.
  • Agata ZUBEL, What is the word, Joanna Freszel : soprano, Marta Kluczyńska : direction, dans « Real Life Song », 1 CD DUX, 2015.
  • ElettroVoce, Bezkawie ; Jezioro Much ; Trąba Słonia ; Rebekah ; Żyrandolia ; Chmury W Głowie ; 6:57 7 Niebo Dzisiaj Nieczynne ; Gigue ; Tatarak,  Cezary Duchnowski : piano, Agata Zubel : voix, dans « Znikad Historie (Stories Nowhere From) », 1 CD Accord, 2015, ACD 220-2.
  • Agata ZUBEL, Labyrinth ; Aphorisms on Milosz ; Shades of ice ; Not I, Klangforum Wien,  Clement Power : direction, dans « Not I », 1 CD Kairos, 2014, 0013362KAI.
  • Agata ZUBEL, Wounded Angel, Marco Blaauw : trompette, dans « Angels », 1 CD Wergo, 2013.
  • Agata ZUBEL, The Streets of a Human City, European Workshop for Contemporary Music, Rüdiger Bohn : direction, dans « Warsaw Automn 2011 CD No. 4 ».
  • Agata ZUBEL, Symphony No. 3, Marco Blaauw : trompette, Orchestra Sinfonia Iuventus, René Gulikers : direction, dans « Warsaw Automn 2010 CD No. 3 ».
  • Agata ZUBEL, String Quartet No. 1 ; Cascando ; Unisono IUnisono IIMaximum Load, dans « Cascando », 1 CD Accord, 2009, ACD 123-2.
  • Agata ZUBEL, Cascando, Agata Zubel : voix, Seattle Chamber Players, dans « Warsaw Automn 2008 CD No. 2 ».
  • Agata ZUBEL, Symphony No. 2, Symphony Orchestra of the University of Music in Krakow, Wojciech Czepiel : direction, dans « Warsaw Automn 2006 CD No. 4 ».
  • Agata ZUBEL, Lentille, Agata Zubel : voix, Michał Moc : accordéon, Aukso Orchestra, Marek Moś : direction, dans « Warsaw Automn 2001 CD No. 6 ».
En tant qu’interpète
  • « Dream Lake », avec des œuvres de Witold Lutosławski et André Tchaikowsky, Agata Zubel : soprano, Joonas Ahonen : piano, 1 CD Accord, 2015, ACD 216-2.
  • « El-Derwid », avec des arrangements de chansons de Witold Lutosławski, Agata Zubel : voix, Cezary Duchnowski : piano, ordinateur, Andrzej Bauer : violoncelle, 1 CD Accord, 2013.
  • « Poems », avec des œuvres de Aaron Copland, Alexandre Scriabine, Alban Berg, Pawet Szymanski, 1 CD Accord, 2009.