Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

1918 in Halstad, MN

Death

:

November 1, 2005 in New Milford, CT

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Skitch Henderson was a renowned American pianist, conductor, and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on January 27, 1918, in Halstad, Minnesota, Lyle Russell Cedric Henderson, popularly known as Skitch Henderson, was the son of a Methodist minister. He grew up in a musical family and started playing the piano at a young age. His mother was a church organist, and his father played the violin. Skitch's love for music was evident from an early age, and he pursued it with great passion. Skitch Henderson's musical journey began when he was just a teenager. He started playing the piano professionally at the age of 16, performing in local dance bands. He later moved to New York City to pursue his musical career and quickly made a name for himself in the city's vibrant music scene. He played with some of the most prominent jazz musicians of the time, including Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Artie Shaw. In 1940, Skitch Henderson joined the NBC Symphony Orchestra as a pianist and arranger. He worked closely with the legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini, who recognized his talent and gave him the opportunity to conduct the orchestra on several occasions. Skitch's work with the NBC Symphony Orchestra helped him establish himself as a conductor and composer. In 1947, Skitch Henderson formed his own orchestra, the New York Pops, which became one of the most popular orchestras in the country. The New York Pops was known for its innovative programming, which included classical music, jazz, and popular music. Skitch's ability to blend different genres of music made him a unique and sought-after conductor. Skitch Henderson's career was marked by several notable performances and awards. In 1958, he conducted the first-ever performance of Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story" at Carnegie Hall. The performance was a huge success and helped establish the musical as a classic. Skitch also conducted the New York Pops in several performances at Carnegie Hall, including a tribute to Frank Sinatra in 1995. Skitch Henderson was also a prolific composer, and his works were performed by some of the most prominent orchestras in the world. His compositions included "The New York Suite," "The American Scene," and "The Seasons." He also wrote music for several films, including "The Godfather" and "The Color Purple." In addition to his musical career, Skitch Henderson was also a philanthropist and a humanitarian. He was a founding member of the Musicians' Emergency Fund, which provided financial assistance to musicians in need. He was also a supporter of several charitable organizations, including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the American Cancer Society. Skitch Henderson's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1999, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton. He was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Skitch Henderson passed away on November 1, 2005, at the age of 87. His legacy as a conductor, composer, and humanitarian continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.

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