15th April – Betty Olivero

Tel Aviv born Betty Olivero graduated in 1978 from the Rubin Academy of Music at Tel Aviv University, where she studied piano and composition. Three years later she emerged from Yale University with her Masters in Music, then went on to Florence to continue her musical education. In Florence, Olivero received instruction from the Italian composer Berio, who is known for his highly experimental work and also for his innovative electronic music.

In 2002 Olivero returned to Israel, to become Professor of Composition at Bar-Ilan University, and a couple of years later she started work as composer-in-residence for the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra – the first female composer to occupy that role. Her works have been performed by many prestigious orchestras, such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Juilliard Ensemble.

Oliveros’ work contains much thematic material related to the Israeli culture and national identity. Berio said of his fomer pupil “she is a most impressive voice in Jewish culture and an important presence from a worldwide perspective as well. Israel should be proud of her”. (1)

Here is the first part of Olivero’s “Neharot Neharot”) for solo viola, accordion, percussion, 2 string orchestras and tape composed during 2006-7:

Listen to more works by Olivero – click the box!

(1) Haaretz Magazine, November 9, 2001