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| Shara Nova | |
|---|---|
| Name | Shara Nova |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, composer, arranger |
| Associated acts | The Sparkles, My Brightest Diamond, Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, Nico Muhly |
Shara Nova Shara Nova is an American singer, songwriter, composer, and arranger known for fronting the chamber-pop project My Brightest Diamond and for work across contemporary classical, indie rock, and experimental music scenes. She has collaborated with prominent artists and ensembles, contributed to film and theater projects, and composed for orchestras and chamber groups while maintaining a career as a recording and performing artist. Nova's work intersects with the networks of Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, Terry Riley, Nico Muhly, and institutions such as the New York Philharmonic and Carnegie Hall.
Born and raised in the American Midwest, Nova studied voice and composition in programs linked to Concordia College (Moorhead, Minnesota), Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and conservatory environments associated with The Juilliard School influences. During her formative years she engaged with ensembles connected to The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and university-affiliated groups that perform works by Benjamin Britten, Igor Stravinsky, and Arvo Pärt. She participated in workshops and festivals connected to institutions like Tanglewood Music Center and programs influenced by composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass.
Nova founded and led the project My Brightest Diamond, releasing albums that received attention from publications covering Pitchfork, The New York Times, and NPR Music. Her discography includes studio records, live recordings, and soundtrack contributions with distribution channels tied to labels and collectives operating in the independent scenes of Brooklyn, Seattle, and Detroit. She performed at venues and festivals including appearances alongside artists at Lincoln Center, SXSW, Coachella, and Primavera Sound. Tours and residencies placed her in concert series presented by organizations like Le Poisson Rouge, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and regional presenters such as Walker Art Center.
Nova has collaborated with and provided vocals, arrangements, or compositions for artists including Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, Nico Muhly, Patti Smith, and ensembles such as The Brooklyn Rider and Eighth Blackbird. She contributed to recordings and performances tied to producers and musicians from scenes around Seattle, Brooklyn, and Portland (Oregon), working with figures connected to St. Vincent, Perfume Genius, and Rufus Wainwright. Her side projects include work with indie labels and collectives that intersect with artists like Sufjan Stevens touring bands, chamber groups associated with Bang on a Can, and crossover projects with members of Dirty Projectors and The National.
As a composer and arranger, Nova has written for chamber ensembles, string quartets, and full orchestra, with commissions and performances by groups such as The Albany Symphony, Seattle Symphony, and university ensembles connected to University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Her arrangements have been featured in collaborations with choirs and vocal ensembles linked to Chanticleer, The Crossing, and collegiate programs affiliated with Yale School of Music. She has composed score work for theater companies and filmmakers associated with festivals like Sundance Film Festival and institutions such as Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company.
Nova's musical style synthesizes elements found in the repertoires of Björk, Kate Bush, and PJ Harvey with techniques from contemporary composers like Nico Muhly, Mason Bates, and John Adams. Critics have compared aspects of her vocal and compositional approach to traditions represented by Joni Mitchell, Laurie Anderson, and Debussy-influenced harmonic language promoted in conservatory curricula. Her work often references structural and timbral practices associated with minimalism, baroque, and art-song repertories performed at venues like Carnegie Hall.
Nova's recordings and compositions have received recognition in media and grant programs administered by organizations such as National Endowment for the Arts, regional arts councils, and awards spotlighted by outlets like NPR Music and BBC Radio. She has been featured in year-end lists and received commissions that placed her alongside composers acknowledged by institutions including The MacDowell Colony and presenters connected to American Composers Forum. Festivals and presenters have cited her work in programming alongside recipients of prizes like the Pulitzer Prize for Music and Guggenheim Fellowship honorees.
Nova resides between artistic communities that include New York City, Detroit, and Midwestern cultural centers, engaging with organizations focused on arts advocacy and community music education such as Young Audiences Arts for Learning and regional nonprofit presenters. She has participated in benefit concerts and public-facing projects linked to causes championed by groups like Planned Parenthood and environmental initiatives associated with 350.org. Her advocacy has intersected with collaborative projects involving institutions such as Women in Music and mentorship programs affiliated with conservatories like Berklee College of Music.
Category:American singers Category:American composers Category:21st-century musicians