Gerhard Präsent

Gerhard Präsent (born 21 June 1957) is an Austrian composer, conductor and academic teacher. Professional career Born in Graz, Präsent studied from 1976 at the Musikhochschule Graz, composition with Iván Erőd and conducting with Milan Horvat. He graduated in 1982 in composition and in 1985 in conducting, in both subjects with distinction. He then taught at the institute. Until 1999 he held a composers’ workshop, responsible for 48 concert programs. From 1986 to 1992 he was an assistant to Erőd, and also to Horvat for the orchestra. In 1992 he was appointed professor for music theory, musical form, analysis, conducting, and chamber music for strings. in 1988 Präsent founded the ALEA Ensemble, an ensemble for contemporary music, and has been its artistic director. He was vice president of the Steirischer Tonkünstlerbund (Styrian Tone Arts Association) from 2003 and has been its president since 2005. He is married to the violinist Sigrid Präsent, the first violinist of the ALEA Ensemble. Himmelslicht (Heavenly Light), a concerto for trumpet, brass and percussion (1986–1987), was premiered at the festival steirischer herbst in 1987. Marcia funebre for chamber ensemble (1992) was first