Leo Smit

ABOUT LEO SMIT

Innovative musician known for his thematic recitals and for performing new composers like Aaron Copland . He was also a photographer.

He worked as choreographer George Balanchine's rehearsal pianist, during which time he became acquainted with Igor Stravinsky .

He co-wrote an opera with British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle, titled "The Alchemy of Love." The unusual duo also tackled an oratorio about Copernicus.

He was taken to Russia by his mother while he was still a child so that he could take lessons with famed composer Dmitri Kabalevsky.

He used Emily Dickinson 's writings as the source material for nearly 100 compositions.