Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

July 9, 1904 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Death

:

November 22, 1986 in Louisville, KY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Robert Whitney was an American conductor and music educator who made significant contributions to the classical music world during his lifetime. Born on February 27, 1904, in Galesburg, Illinois, Whitney showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of six. He later switched to the trumpet and became a skilled player, performing in various bands and orchestras throughout his youth. Whitney attended the University of Illinois, where he studied music theory and composition. After graduating in 1926, he moved to Chicago and began working as a freelance musician, playing in dance bands and theater orchestras. In 1930, he joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a trumpet player, a position he held for the next 15 years. During his time with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Whitney became interested in conducting and began studying with the orchestra's conductor, Frederick Stock. He also attended the Berkshire Music Center in Tanglewood, Massachusetts, where he studied with the renowned conductor Serge Koussevitzky. In 1945, Whitney was appointed the conductor of the Louisville Orchestra in Kentucky. Under his leadership, the orchestra gained national recognition for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. Whitney was known for his adventurous programming, which included works by contemporary composers as well as lesser-known pieces from the classical repertoire. One of Whitney's most significant achievements with the Louisville Orchestra was the creation of the First Edition Recording series, which was the first commercial recording series devoted entirely to contemporary American music. The series featured works by composers such as Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and Roy Harris, and helped to establish the Louisville Orchestra as a leading advocate for American music. Whitney also had a successful career as a guest conductor, leading orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Gustav Mahler, and his performances of Mahler's symphonies were highly acclaimed. In addition to his work as a conductor, Whitney was also a dedicated music educator. He taught at the University of Louisville and the University of Michigan, and was a frequent guest lecturer at universities and music schools throughout the country. He was known for his engaging and informative lectures, which helped to inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers. Throughout his career, Whitney received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the classical music world. He was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award in 1959, which recognized his outstanding contributions to American music. He was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1998, in recognition of his pioneering work in promoting American music. Robert Whitney passed away on January 17, 1986, at the age of 81. His legacy as a conductor, educator, and advocate for American music continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

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