Who Is Eric Whitacre? Age, Biography and Wiki
Eric Whitacre was born on January 2, 1970, making him 55 years old as of 2025. He is celebrated for his contributions to contemporary choral and orchestral music, earning a reputation as one of the leading composers of the 21st century. Whitacre's works are characterized by their lush harmonies and innovative use of technology in music, including virtual choirs that have captivated audiences worldwide. You can learn more about him on his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Conductor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Reno, Nevada, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Eric Whitacre's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Eric Whitacre stands at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall, with an estimated weight of around 175 lbs (79 kg). His body stats, while not the focus of his career, reflect a healthy lifestyle that complements his creative pursuits.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Eric Whitacre is reportedly single, focusing on his musical career and personal projects. He has been open about his experiences and past relationships but prefers to maintain a level of privacy regarding his dating life. There are no public records of any current girlfriend or boyfriend.
Whitacre studied composition with Ukrainian composer Virko Baley and choral conducting with David B. Weiller, completing his bachelor's degree in 1995. Whitacre credits Weiller with the inspiration that put the young composer on the musical path.
At 21, he wrote his setting of "Go, Lovely Rose" for his college choir and presented the composition as a gift to David Weiller. Whitacre went on to earn his master's degree in composition at the Juilliard School, where he studied with John Corigliano and David Diamond.
At the age of 23 he completed his first piece for wind orchestra, "Ghost Train", which has now been recorded more than 40 times. Tom Leslie contributed to his interest in writing for wind ensembles. While at Juilliard he met his future wife, soprano Hila Plitmann, and two of his closest friends, composers Steven Bryant and Jonathan Newman.
He lived in Nevada until he was 25. He graduated in 1997 and moved to Los Angeles, and then decided to become a full-time professional composer following the success of Ghost Train.
Net Worth and Salary
Eric Whitacre's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million as of 2025. His income is derived from various sources including compositions, performances, and educational workshops. With his continued success in the music industry, his earnings are expected to grow as he undertakes new projects and collaborations.
Career, Business and Investments
Whitacre’s career began during his college years and has since evolved into a prolific output of choral and orchestral works. Some of his most famous compositions include "Lux Aurumque" and "Sleep," which have been performed all over the world. In addition to composing, he is also known for his engaging workshops and lectures, where he inspires the next generation of musicians. He has explored various business opportunities in music technology, enhancing the accessibility of his compositions through digital platforms.
The choir performs music from the Renaissance through to the current day, including Lauridsen, Britten, and the work of their founder and conductor. The Eric Whitacre Singers made their BBC Proms debut in 2012 in a program that included a collaboration with singer/songwriter Imogen Heap.
The choir also sang at the Templeton Prize Laureate Ceremony for Archbishop Desmond Tutu alongside Annie Lennox, and the London African Gospel Choir.
They work regularly with British soul artist Laura Mvula, and featured at the iTunes Festival, broadcast to 119 countries, performing with Hans Zimmer, and at an experiential installation for Anya Hindmarch in 2018.
Social Network
Eric Whitacre is active on social media, using platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to connect with fans and share updates about his work. He regularly engages with his followers, providing insights into his creative process and upcoming projects. His social network presence plays a significant role in boosting his visibility as a modern composer in the digital age.
A trademark of Whitacre's pieces is the use of aleatoric and indeterminate sections, as well as unusual score instructions involving, in some cases, hand actions or props. His work has been described as "weightless" and as the "sort of music Vaughan Williams might have composed in the Cambridge branch of Dunkin' Donuts".
Anthony Tommasini described Whitacre's "Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine" in 2005 as "full of sound effects, portentous harmony and fractured riffs", writing that "the music was rather hokey, like a choral equivalent of a blatant film score."
Education
Whitacre attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he earned his bachelor's degree in Music Education. He later earned a master’s degree in composition from the Juilliard School, further solidifying his expertise in music. His educational background has heavily influenced his compositional style and teaching approach, contributing to his status as a leading figure in choral music.
He studied piano intermittently as a child and joined a junior high marching band under band leader Jim Burnett. Later Whitacre played a synthesizer in a techno-pop band, dreaming of being a rock star. Although he initially resisted joining choir while attending college, Whitacre was eventually convinced.
He described his own experience with his first choral rehearsal as a turning point in his life, saying, "In my entire life I had seen in black and white, and suddenly everything was in shocking Technicolor. It was the most transformative experience I've ever had—in that single moment, hearing dissonance and harmony, and people singing...".
Though he was unable to read music at the time, Whitacre began his full musical training while he was an undergraduate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He eventually earned a bachelor's degree in Music Composition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eric Whitacre continues to be a prominent force in the world of music as of 2025. His achievements in composition, along with his personal journey, provide a fascinating insight into the life of one of America's most celebrated composers. Stay tuned for more updates on his career and personal life as he navigates the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
