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American composer and conductor renowned for his lush, contemporary choral music, wind ensemble works, and pioneering Virtual Choir projects. Born in Reno, Nevada, Whitacre initially studied composition at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (BMus) and later at The Juilliard School (MMus). He gained international fame with his choral piece "Cloudburst" and numerous popular works like "Lux Aurumque" and "Sleep". He is the creator of the globally successful Virtual Choir project, uniting singers worldwide via the internet. Whitacre has conducted major orchestras and choirs globally, received a Grammy Award, and served as artist-in-residence at institutions like Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.

• Whitacre entered university intending to study veterinary science but joined the marching band on a whim, discovering his passion for music.
• His signature long hair and distinctive glasses became a recognizable part of his public image.
• The Virtual Choir project, launched in 2009, became a global phenomenon, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, involving tens of thousands of singers from over 145 countries.
• He won a Grammy Award in 2012 for Best Choral Performance for "Light & Gold", performed by his professional choir, the Eric Whitacre Singers.
• Whitacre composed the soundtrack for the video game "The Sims 4: Get Together" expansion pack.