Helmut Oehring b. 1961

Helmut Oehring is of the most striking young composers to emerge from East Berlin * Experiences as a child of deaf-mute parents led to highly original perspective on the nature of sound and communication * Early influences of rock and jazz, then at age of 23 embraced Western composed music, while continuing to play and compose for electric guitar * Inspired by cinema and other visual media, including cutting techniques in Fassbinder's films * A number of works integrate simultaneous sign-language performance by deaf-mute artists * Music programmed at leading festivals including Munich Biennale, Wien Modern, Spoleto, Donaueschingen, Witten, Almeida Opera and Biennale Venice

Works by Helmut Oehring include:
MARIE B. (Seven Chambers) (1997) for string quartet
PHILIPP (1997/2001) solo instrument (versions for trombone, trumpet, clarinet and others)
UNSICHTBAR LAND (2004/05) opera
GOYA cycle: Symphony GOYA I (2006), Memoratorio GOYA II (2007), String Quartet GOYA III and Opera GOYA IV

With his expressive musical language, Helmut Oehring has responded to the demand to relate music to reality in a new way. – Gisela Nauck