Ana Leira Carnero is an Argentine-Spanish composer whose music bridges the gap between classical tradition and popular genres, establishing her as a versatile force in the contemporary scene. Whether navigating intricate contrapuntal textures or the rhythmic energy of jazz, her unique artistic voice always speaks with a powerful appeal.
Ana's musical education began at age seven. As a teenager, she was trained by the legendary piano master Ana Litowsky-Grunwald, developing into a highly skilled pianist. At age fifteen, she gained admission to advanced studies at the Carlos López Buchardo National Conservatory in Buenos Aires, where she earned her degree as a National Professor of Music. Her curriculum included piano, harmony, contemporary styles, choral conducting, and music history, among other subjects. Following graduation, she was selected by the multi-award-winning pianist Aldo Antognazzi for top-level piano instruction under his invaluable mentorship. She furthered her expertise through independent studies in composition, counterpoint, and orchestration. Over the years, she has continued to expand her artistic horizons through specialized masterclasses led by distinguished figures in the international music community.
Today, Ana is an eclectic composer who draws from a vast stylistic palette, ranging from Neo-Baroque to avant-garde and incorporating elements of jazz, blues, rock, and folk. Her catalog features chamber and orchestral pieces, art songs, and solo piano compositions. Her works have been performed across the globe (Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Chile, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States) at prestigious venues, including Usina del Arte (Buenos Aires), Monash University (Melbourne), Mozarthaus (Vienna), Teatro Biobío (Concepción), and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The list of performers encompasses world-class virtuosi such as Adela Urcan, Édua Zádory, and Sergiy Bolotny, as well as notable ensembles like the Orquesta de Cámara del Congreso de la Nación, conducted by Sebastiano de Filippi, and the Orquesta de Cámara Ciudadana de Concepción, led by Leandro Botto Schuhmacher.
Ana's compositions are frequently broadcast on Argentine radio and have obtained positive reviews from critics. Renowned violinist Hugo Ticciati said: Composers such as Ana Leira Carnero... write music that stays deeply connected to our emotional lives as humans while also taking us on challenging journeys through diverse and exciting musical landscapes. Additionally, the French music website Creim chose her Adagio for Solo Violin as one of Les plus beaux solos de violon par des musiciennes contemporaines (The most beautiful violin solos by contemporary female musicians). While pieces like Adagio delve into a profoundly abstract world, other works of hers are linked to concrete events that affect our real lives, such as Funeral Music for Pandemic's Fallen Heroes and Maradona Tribute.
Regarding accolades, her violin duet Carnavalito XXI won Co-First Prize in the 2023 LunART Festival Call for Scores (Madison, WI), selected from over 150 entries by a panel of 17 judges. Her Adagio for Solo Violin secured Co-First Prize in the 2024 Deleuze New Music Collective Call for Scores (New York/Chicago). Moreover, her Piano Sonata No. 3 received an Honorable Mention in the Composition Category of the 2022 International Piano Competition organized by the World Piano Teachers Association (WPTA), Argentine branch. From 2018 to 2023, Ana was a member of the centennial Argentine Association of Composers, after a rigorous peer-review admission process.
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