| Eric Stern | |
| Birth Date: | 1971 6, mf=yes |
| Birth Place: | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Instrument: | Vocals, piano, accordion |
| Genre: | Opera, Cabaret, Jazz, Bohemian |
| Occupation: | Musician, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer, songwriter |
| Years Active: | 2002–present |
| Associated Acts: | Vagabond Opera, The Eric Stern Trio |
| Website: | ericsternevents.com |
Eric Stern (born June 9, 1971 in Philadelphia,PA)[1] 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.[2] He also performs as a soloist, as well as with the Eric Stern Trio. Stern, with Vagabond Opera, has appeared on NPR[3] and performed at the Kennedy Center,[4] the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco,[5] Joe's Pub in New York City.[6]
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.[7]
In 2002, Stern founded the group Vagabond Opera, known for their blend of eclectic musical styles, including German cabaret, Klezmer, and jazz.[3] [7] The band released four albums until their hiatus in 2015.[8] With the band, Stern also wrote, composed and performed the 2010 opera Queen of Knives, in collaboration with Wanderlust Circus.[9] [10]
Stern has recorded and performed with a variety of musical acts including The Decemberists,[11] Balkan Beat Box, Unwoman, Pink Martini, and DeVotchka.[12] In 2011, Stern composed the score for the Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre's production of Pinocchio.[13]
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.[14]
Stern currently works as the Events Coordinator and Cultural Arts Ambassador for Eastside Jewish Commons, a nonprofit in Portland, Oregon.[15]
ASCAP Concert Division Panel award recognizing creative contributions to American music (September 2011).