Influenced by his Cypriot-Cuban family heritage, New York–based composer Alexandros Darna explores his multicultural identity and creates works that are often a vibrant blend of Cuban dance rhythms and Cypriot musical idioms.
Alexandros’s latest work for sinfonietta, Fables, was premiered under the baton of Jeffrey Milarsky at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center. His symphonic work, Solus, premiered under the baton of Kyle Ritenauer at Neidorff-Karpati Hall. Recognition has followed his Minnaloushe for violin, percussion, and piano, which earned the prestigious “NY Fed. Of Music Clubs Israel Prize.”
In Cyprus, Alexandros arranged music for twenty-eight-time gold and platinum album vocalist (IFPI Greece) Alkistis Protopsalti and the TrakArt Pops orchestra directed by Aris Antoniades. More recently, his Festivities for saxophone orchestra was performed at Strovolos Municipal Theater, under the direction of Yiannis Miralis. Beyond the concert hall, Alexandros has made a mark in the world of film with his score for Kamno Pilo, an official selection at the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus and the West Side Mountains Doc. Fest. in Athens, Greece.
Currently pursuing a degree at The Juilliard School (MM), Alexandros has already earned recognition for his academic excellence on the Dean’s list during his studies at the Manhattan School of Music (BM). His principal teachers include Mark Stambaugh, Robert Beaser, Melinda Wagner, David Ludwig, Amy Beth Kirsten, and others. Alexandros is honored to have been the recipient of the Vergottis, Leventis, and the MSM International Advisory Board scholarship awards. In the fall of 2024, Alexandros will begin pursuing his doctorate degree at the Juilliard School.
In Memoriam
Composed February 2023 – Clarinet, Viola, Piano
From the composer: “In Memoriam is a heartfelt tribute to my grandmother, meant to honor her memory. It features a chant from the Greek Orthodox funeral service, which is developed and expanded upon throughout the piece. It also includes personal musical quotes that had special significance in our relationship.“