Alexey Shor as a Titan

Alexey Shor is not your typical composer. With a background rooted in mathematics and science, his foray into classical music has defied convention and reshaped the landscape of contemporary composition. As Shor takes on the role of Composer-in-Residence at the upcoming Malta International Music Festival (MIMF), his journey from prodigy mathematician to celebrated composer offers a fascinating story of reinvention and passion.

Born in 1970 Belaya Tserkov, a small city located near the capital of Kyiv in Ukraine, the early life of Alexey Vladimorovitch Kononenko, as he was then known, revolved around his exceptional mathematical talents. Encouraged by his scientist parents, he pursued rigorous academic training, culminating in a PhD in mathematics from Pennsylvania State University, and earned global recognition for his invaluable contributions to dynamical systems and geometry. Soon after, he embarked upon a career as a quantitative researcher with Renaissance Technologies, a renowned hedge fund based in Long Island, New York, where quickly rose through the ranks, making his fortune and firmly establishing himself as one of the foremost minds within his field.

Yet, despite his scientific success, music remained an underlying passion—a quiet, private pursuit that would eventually take centre stage in his life.

“I try to write what I hear and most importantly, what I like the sound of,” Shor explains. His beginnings in composition were humble – short, song-like pieces created for his own amusement. A chance discovery by violist David Aaron Carpenter, however, brought these works into the spotlight, sparking Shor’s transition from a hobbyist to a professional composer. 

Since Carpenter helped to introduce his music to concert halls, Alexey Shor's compositions have graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Wiener Musikverein. His works, described as neo-romantic and neo-classical, are celebrated for their melodic richness and accessibility. These qualities have resonated with audiences and musicians alike, establishing Shor as a prominent figure in the sphere of contemporary classical music.

One of his most significant works, the Crystal Palace ballet, premiered in Malta in 2017. Featuring performers from the Bolshoi Theatre, the ballet marked a turning point in Shor’s career, showcasing his ability to tackle large-scale compositions. It has since been reinterpreted for various formats, including the internationally acclaimed ice show Jester’s Wedding.

A common theme amongst those who have listened to or performed Alexey Shor’s music, is an appreciation for its timeless appeal. Conductor Pavel Klinichev, for instance, has described his style as “a modern reading of the 18th century,” while pianist and conductor Gianluca Marciano highlights its ability to stay with listeners long after the performance. “This is music written for the public,” Marciano observes, “and the audience enjoys it very much.”

Shor’s works have also reached beyond the concert hall, with broadcasts on MediciTV and Mezzo, and adaptations for film soundtracks, such as Blood on the Crown, a period drama starring Malcolm McDowell and Harvey Keitel that chronicles the tensions between the people of Malta and the British colonial government that ruled the island at the time. Despite his lack of formal musical training, his compositions demonstrate a profound understanding of melody and harmony, bridging the past and present of classical music.

Now, the upcoming 10th edition of the Malta International Music Festival will mark a significant chapter in Shor’s career. Featuring an extensive programme of his works, including the premiere of his Violin Concerto in B minor set to be performed by the young Swedish virtuoso Daniel Lozakovich, it will serve as both a celebration of Shor’s contributions to music and a showcase of his evolving artistry.

Artists such as Maxim Vengerov, David Aaron Carpenter, and Denis Kozhukhin have championed his music, further solidifying his reputation, and highlighting the widespread appeal that his works have managed to achieve, even amongst the top echelons of the classical music scene. When Georgs Pelecis, famous composer and musicologist, was asked to share his view on Shor’s music after attending a concert of MIMF back in 2018, he said : “Alexey and I are of the same blood, because we are knights of the order of consonant music, very melodic and harmonious. That's why I am so close to what he does.”

More significantly, his rise may represent a fortuitous junction for this art form, since he has not only single-handedly managed to revitalise interest in melodic, tonal music but also challenged the norms of contemporary composition. His work emphasizes beauty and emotional connection, a contrast to the abstraction often associated with modern classical music, as has been noted by many musicians, audience members, and stakeholders within the industry, including Carpenter himself, who observed that “The genius behind Alexey’s music is bringing back tonality. He’s bridging the gap between the 18th century and today.”

As Shor continues to compose, collaborate, and inspire, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion. From his scientific roots to his musical achievements, Shor has carved a unique path, proving that it’s never too late to embrace a new calling. With MIMF 2021 on the horizon, the world now awaits the next chapter in what has already proven to be a uniquely extraordinary story!