Nadia Reisenberg & Clara Rockmore Foundation

The Nadia Reisenberg and Clara Rockmore Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of two extraordinary musicians: pianist Nadia Reisenberg and theremin virtuoso Clara Rockmore. The foundation was established by Robert Sherman, a respected music critic and broadcaster, to honor the memory of his mother and aunt.

Clara Rockmore is widely regarded as the greatest theremin player who ever lived. She was a child prodigy on the violin, but a childhood illness forced her to give up the instrument. She discovered the theremin in the 1920s and quickly mastered it, bringing a level of artistry and expression that had never been heard before. Her performances captivated audiences around the world and established the theremin as a serious concert instrument.

Nadia Reisenberg was an acclaimed pianist and teacher. She was also Clara Rockmore's sister and lifelong accompanist. The two sisters performed together for many years, with Nadia providing the piano accompaniment that perfectly complemented Clara's ethereal theremin sound. Their musical partnership was one of the most remarkable in the history of classical music.

The foundation was created to ensure that the legacy of these two remarkable women would not be forgotten. It supports projects that promote the theremin and classical music, including concerts, recordings, and educational programs. The foundation also works to preserve and share the archive of materials related to Clara Rockmore and Nadia Reisenberg.

TECI is proud to support the work of the Nadia Reisenberg and Clara Rockmore Foundation. We believe that their contributions to music deserve to be remembered and celebrated. The foundation's efforts have helped to introduce new audiences to the theremin and to ensure that Clara Rockmore's legacy continues to inspire future generations.

One of the foundation's most important projects is the preservation of Clara Rockmore's recordings. Her performances of classical repertoire on the theremin are still considered the gold standard, and her interpretations of works by composers like Saint-Saens, Rachmaninoff, and others remain unmatched. The foundation has worked to restore and release these recordings, making them available to a wider audience.

In addition to preserving recordings, the foundation also supports educational initiatives. It provides scholarships and grants to young musicians who are interested in pursuing the theremin or classical piano. These programs help to ensure that the art form continues to thrive and that new talent is nurtured.

For those interested in learning more about Clara Rockmore and Nadia Reisenberg, we recommend visiting the official foundation website. You can also explore our Theremin Bible and Olivia Mattis Interview for more historical materials.

The Nadia Reisenberg and Clara Rockmore Foundation is a vital part of the theremin community. Its work ensures that the legacy of these two remarkable women will continue to inspire and enrich the world of music for generations to come. We encourage everyone to support their efforts and to explore the rich legacy of Clara Rockmore and Nadia Reisenberg.