Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 9, 1911 in Newark, NJ

Death

:

February 22, 2005 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Harry Simeone was an American composer, arranger, and conductor who was born on May 9, 1911, in Newark, New Jersey. He was the son of Italian immigrants and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they encouraged their son's interest in music from an early age. Simeone began his formal music education at the age of eight when he started taking piano lessons. He later studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he focused on composition and conducting. After completing his studies, he worked as a pianist and arranger for various radio programs and recording studios. In the 1940s, Simeone began working as a conductor and arranger for the NBC Symphony Orchestra, which was led by the legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini. He also worked as a conductor for the CBS Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Simeone's career as a composer began in the 1950s when he was asked to create a choral arrangement of the Christmas song "The Little Drummer Boy." The song, which featured a children's choir and a simple drumbeat, became an instant hit and has since become a holiday classic. Simeone went on to compose and arrange many other choral works, including "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "The Carol of the Bells." He also wrote music for films and television shows, including the theme song for the popular TV series "The FBI." One of Simeone's most notable works is his arrangement of "Ave Maria," which was featured in the 1965 film "The Sound of Music." The song, which was sung by the character Maria (played by Julie Andrews), has become one of the most beloved and recognizable pieces of music in the world. Simeone continued to work as a composer and arranger throughout his career, and he received many awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. He died on February 22, 2005, at the age of 93. In conclusion, Harry Simeone was a talented composer, arranger, and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His choral arrangements of popular songs and his original compositions continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. Simeone's legacy as a musician and composer will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers.

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