Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Opera

 

Arthur J. Fiacco, Jr. is a renowned cellist and music educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1951, in New York City, Fiacco grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Arthur Fiacco Sr., was a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, and his mother, Mary Fiacco, was a pianist. Fiacco Jr. began playing the cello at the age of six and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Fiacco's early musical education was shaped by his parents, who provided him with a strong foundation in classical music. He attended the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division, where he studied with Leonard Rose, one of the most renowned cellists of the 20th century. Fiacco continued his studies at the Juilliard School, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1973 and a Master of Music degree in 1974. After completing his studies, Fiacco began his professional career as a cellist. He joined the New York Philharmonic in 1974, where he played under the direction of some of the most celebrated conductors of the time, including Leonard Bernstein and Zubin Mehta. Fiacco remained with the New York Philharmonic for 25 years, during which time he also performed as a soloist and chamber musician. Fiacco's career as a soloist and chamber musician was marked by numerous highlights. In 1976, he made his solo debut with the New York Philharmonic, performing the Dvorak Cello Concerto under the baton of Zubin Mehta. The performance was widely praised, and Fiacco was hailed as a rising star in the classical music world. He went on to perform with many other orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to his work as a soloist, Fiacco was also an active chamber musician. He was a founding member of the New York String Quartet, which was formed in 1985 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest string quartets in the world. The quartet performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and recorded several critically acclaimed albums. Throughout his career, Fiacco was recognized for his exceptional talent and contributions to the world of classical music. He was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Naumburg Award, and the Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance. In 1999, he was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in recognition of his contributions to the arts. In addition to his performing career, Fiacco was also a dedicated music educator. He served on the faculty of the Juilliard School for over 30 years, where he taught many of the world's most talented young cellists. He was also a frequent guest lecturer and masterclass teacher at universities and conservatories throughout the United States and Europe. Fiacco retired from the New York Philharmonic in 1999, but continued to perform and teach until his death in 2018. He was widely regarded as one of the finest cellists of his generation, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for many years to come.

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