Elena Kats-Chernin

Elena Davidovna Kats-Chernin AO, born 4 November 1957, is a Soviet-born Australian composer and pianist renowned for her ballet Wild Swans. After studying in Moscow, she migrated to Australia in 1975, continuing her education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She lived in Europe for thirteen years, composing for theatre and ballet. Since her return to Australia in 1994, Kats-Chernin has produced operas, concertos and scores for various ensembles and events, including the Sydney Olympic Games. Awarded the Order of Australia in 2019, her music is widely celebrated.