Birth

:

1919

Death

:

2015

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

Joseph de Pasquale was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a violist, conductor, and educator. Born on August 2, 1919, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, de Pasquale was the son of Italian immigrants. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. De Pasquale began his musical journey by learning the violin at the age of six. However, he switched to the viola at the age of 14, which became his primary instrument. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1941. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned his Master of Music degree in 1943. After completing his studies, de Pasquale joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as a violist in 1943. He played with the orchestra for two years before joining the United States Army during World War II. He served in the Army from 1945 to 1946 and played in the Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra in Germany. After his military service, de Pasquale returned to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, where he played as the principal violist from 1946 to 1955. During his time with the orchestra, he also served as a guest conductor and conducted the orchestra in several performances. In 1955, de Pasquale left the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to join the Philadelphia Orchestra as the principal violist. He played with the orchestra for 23 years until his retirement in 1978. During his time with the Philadelphia Orchestra, de Pasquale also served as a guest conductor and conducted the orchestra in several performances. De Pasquale was known for his exceptional musicianship and his ability to bring out the best in his fellow musicians. He was also a dedicated educator and taught at several institutions, including the Curtis Institute of Music, the Juilliard School, and Temple University. He was also a founding member of the Philadelphia String Quartet, which was formed in 1960. De Pasquale received several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1962, he was awarded the Philadelphia Award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the city of Philadelphia. In 1978, he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Curtis Institute of Music. He was also awarded the Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 1983. De Pasquale passed away on August 6, 2015, at the age of 96. He left behind a legacy of exceptional musicianship, dedication to education, and a passion for music that inspired generations of musicians.

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