Eric Stern

Eric Stern is an American vocalist, accordionist, composer, arranger, and pianist based in Portland, Oregon, best known as the founder and artistic director of the band Vagabond Opera.[1] He also performs as a soloist, as well as with the Eric Stern Trio. Stern, with Vagabond Opera, has appeared on NPR[2] and performed at the Kennedy Center,[3] the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco,[4] Joe's Pub in New York City.[5]

Eric Stern
Born (1971-06-09) June 9, 1971
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
GenresOpera, Cabaret, Jazz, Bohemian
Occupation(s)Musician, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, accordion
Years active2002–present
Websiteericsternevents.com

Career

Stern was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in June 1971 and trained as a vocalist at the Delaware Valley Opera Company. At the age of 21, Stern decided to pursue writing and moved to Paris, returning to the U.S., and to music, a year and a half later.[6]

In 2002, Stern founded the group Vagabond Opera, known for their blend of eclectic musical styles, including German cabaret, Klezmer, and jazz.[2][6] The band released four albums until their hiatus in 2015.[7] With the band, Stern also wrote, composed and performed the 2010 opera Queen of Knives, in collaboration with Wanderlust Circus.[8][9]

Stern has recorded and performed with a variety of musical acts including The Decemberists,[10] Balkan Beat Box, Unwoman, Pink Martini, and DeVotchka.[11] In 2011, Stern composed the score for the Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre's production of Pinocchio.[12]

In March 2015, Stern's independent production company, Hungry Opera Machine, debuted its first opera at the Alberta Rose Theatre: Flour, Salt, & Moonbeams. It was well-received by critics.[13]

Stern currently works as the Events Coordinator and Cultural Arts Ambassador for Eastside Jewish Commons, a nonprofit in Portland, Oregon.[14]

Awards

ASCAP Concert Division Panel award recognizing creative contributions to American music (September 2011).

Discography
With Vagabond Opera
  • Get on the Train (2004)
  • Vagabond Opera (2006)
  • The Zeitgeist Beckons (2009)
  • Sing For Your Lives (2011)
Solo
  • Stern Little Stories (2012)
  • Ashes of Rembetiko (2017)

References
  1. Tracy, Ryan (January 7, 2009). "Papa's Got a Brand New Belt". New York Press. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  2. "Vagabond Opera On Mountain Stage". NPR. 5 November 2010. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  3. "Eastern Blocheads: Vagabond Opera". Washington Post. 11 January 2008. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  4. "At the Great American Music Hall, 2007". Facebook. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  5. Wong, Melanie (1 August 2013). "Vagabond Opera Enchants Joe's Pub". Feast of Music. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  6. Beckman, Rachel (January 10, 2008). "Vagabond Opera: Life Is a Cabaret". The Washington Post. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  7. "Vagabond Opera". Eric Stern Presents. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  8. D'Antoni, Tom (May 5, 2010). "Vagabond Opera's Opera: Eric Stern on Queen of Knives". Oregon Music News. Archived from the original on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  9. McQuillen, James (11 May 2010). "Opera review: Portland's Vagabond Opera's 'Queen of Knives' is one sharp show". Oregon Live - the Oregonian. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  10. "Picaresque -The Decemberists". AllMusic. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  11. "Vagabond Opera and Chervona". WOW Hall. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  12. Johnson, Holly (12 November 2011). "'Pinocchio' review: Puppets and real actors bring the beloved story to life". Oregon Live - the Oregonian. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  13. Stabler, David. "Flour, Salt, & Moonbeams". The Oregonian. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  14. "Meet our staff". Eastside Jewish Commons. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
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