Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Wayne Conner was born on May 15, 1985, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his mother being a pianist and his father a cellist. From a young age, Conner showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later picked up the violin and the cello, which became his primary instrument. Conner attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2007 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Throughout his career, Conner has performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan, and Simon Rattle. One of Conner's most notable performances was his solo debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2010, where he performed Dvorak's Cello Concerto. The performance received critical acclaim, with The New York Times describing Conner's playing as "exquisite" and "heartfelt." Conner has also won numerous awards throughout his career, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2012 and the Leonard Bernstein Fellowship in 2014. In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Fellow, which is often referred to as the "genius grant." The award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional creativity and promise in their respective fields. In addition to his performances, Conner is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught masterclasses at various music schools and conservatories, including the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. He is also a faculty member at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Conner's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from Baroque to contemporary. He is particularly known for his interpretations of Bach's cello suites, which he has performed in their entirety in numerous concerts around the world. Despite his success, Conner remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to push himself to new heights and inspire others with his music.

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