American composer and conductor EfraĆn Amaya was born in Venezuela, where he began his musical training. Continuing his studies in the United States, he earned two Bachelor's of music degrees in composition and piano from Indiana University, and a Master's degree in conducting from Rice University.
In 2004 Mr. Amaya received a Fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. He was also a Meet The Composer Composer-in-Residence from 2001 to 2004. Amaya's compositions have been selected for performance at major international festivals and ensembles.
His debut CD A Sense of Time was released on June 1, 2001 by Ćlan Recordings. Amaya's two chamber operas: Clepsydra: An Operatic Installation with 13 Performers and Phantasmagorilla? No! Phantasmagoria, were also released by Albany Records in 2009 receiving excellent reviews by the American Record Guide, Fanfare Magazine and Pittsburgh Magazine.