Elaine Bearer

About the composer

Elaine L. Bearer is an accomplished American composer and neuroscientist, whose career spans the realms of music and science. Her musical journey began at The Manhattan School of Music, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Music in Theory. Prior to this, she studied under the renowned Nadia Boulanger in Paris, laying a strong foundation for her future in composition.
Bearer’s musical repertoire is diverse and impressive. Her compositions range from orchestral pieces to chamber music and choral works. Notable creations include the piano concerto “Ode to the White Crown Sparrow,” premiered by the Symphony of the Redwoods, and the hour-long oratorio “Magdalene Passion,” commissioned by the Providence Singers. Her symphonic tone poem “Ultrasonic” was performed by St. Matthew’s Music Guild, while various choral works have been presented by the Pasadena Promusica.
In recognition of her musical achievements, Bearer received the Distinguished Alumni Award from The Manhattan School of Music in 2019. Her compositions have been recorded on CD by Albany Records, and some of her scores, including the Nicholls Trio, have been published by Hildegaard Publishing Company.
Alongside her musical career, Bearer pursued scientific studies, earning an MD-PhD from the University of California San Francisco. This unique combination of expertise is reflected in her academic appointments. At Brown University, she held professorships in both Biology and Medicine and in Music. Currently, she is the Harvey Family Professor in Pathology at the University of New Mexico and maintains a secondary appointment in the Music Department.
Bearer’s dual passions continue to shape her career. She was recently bestowed with an honorary professorship from The Strømstadt Akademi in Sweden, where her newly composed string quartet premiered at the award ceremony, showcasing the ongoing interplay between her scientific and musical endeavors.