Elena Kats-Chernin

Elena Kats-Chernin studied music in Moscow, Sydney and Hanover, and was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She has created works across nearly every genre, from rags to operas and works for robotic instruments to a full-scale choral symphony.

Her music featured at the opening ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the 2003 Rugby World Cup. She has received several awards, including the Sounds Australian, Green Room, Helpmann, Limelight as well as Sydney Theatre Awards. The most recent is the jointly awarded Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award 2013.

Her Russian Rag was used as Max’s theme in the 2009 claymation Mary and Max by Oscar winning director Adam Elliot.

Her Eliza Aria is the theme for Late Night Live on ABC Radio National.