Harold Dicterow is a renowned American violinist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on July 1, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, to a family of musicians. His father, Harold Dicterow Sr., was a violinist with the MGM studio orchestra, and his mother, Marni Nixon, was a soprano who provided the singing voice for many Hollywood actresses. Dicterow began playing the violin at the age of four and showed exceptional talent from an early age. He studied with some of the most prominent violin teachers of his time, including Ivan Galamian, Jascha Heifetz, and Henryk Szeryng. He also attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree. In 1968, Dicterow joined the New York Philharmonic as a first violinist. He quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed concertmaster in 1980, a position he held for 34 years. During his tenure with the orchestra, Dicterow played a crucial role in shaping its sound and reputation as one of the world's leading orchestras. Dicterow's performances with the New York Philharmonic were widely acclaimed, and he became known for his virtuosic playing and expressive interpretations. He was particularly noted for his performances of the violin concertos of Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky, as well as the works of contemporary composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass. In addition to his work with the New York Philharmonic, Dicterow has also performed as a soloist with many other orchestras around the world. He has appeared with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic, among others. Dicterow has also been a dedicated teacher throughout his career. He has taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of Southern California. Many of his students have gone on to successful careers as professional musicians. Dicterow's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1998, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. He has also received the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Dicterow has also been active in promoting classical music to a wider audience. He has appeared on television and radio programs, and has written articles and essays on music. He has also been involved in various educational and outreach programs, including the New York Philharmonic's Very Young Composers program, which encourages children to create their own music. Dicterow retired from the New York Philharmonic in 2014, after 34 years as concertmaster. However, he continues to perform and teach, and remains an important figure in the world of classical music. His contributions to the art form have been significant, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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