Paul Dunkel is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a flutist, conductor, and educator. Born on August 23, 1945, in New York City, Dunkel grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Dunkel showed a keen interest in music and began playing the flute at the age of nine. Dunkel's early musical education was under the tutelage of Julius Baker, a renowned flutist and teacher. He later went on to study at the Juilliard School, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music. During his time at Juilliard, Dunkel studied with some of the most prominent flutists of the time, including Jean-Pierre Rampal and Marcel Moyse. After completing his studies, Dunkel began his professional career as a flutist, performing with various orchestras and ensembles. In 1972, he joined the New York City Ballet Orchestra as its principal flutist, a position he held for over 30 years. During his tenure with the orchestra, Dunkel also served as its conductor, leading the ensemble in numerous performances. Dunkel's career as a conductor began in the early 1980s when he was appointed the music director of the Westchester Philharmonic Orchestra. He held this position for over 30 years, during which time he led the orchestra in numerous performances and recordings. Dunkel's conducting style was characterized by his attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. In addition to his work as a flutist and conductor, Dunkel has also been an active educator. He has taught at various institutions, including the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Dunkel's teaching style is known for its emphasis on technique and musicality, and he has trained many successful flutists who have gone on to have successful careers in music. Throughout his career, Dunkel has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music. In 1995, he was awarded the National Flute Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2005, he received the Ditson Conductor's Award, which recognizes outstanding conductors of American music. Dunkel has also been recognized for his work as a recording artist, receiving a Grammy nomination for his recording of the flute concertos of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. One of Dunkel's most notable performances was his 1990 performance of Mozart's Flute Concerto No. 2 with the New York City Ballet Orchestra. The performance was widely praised for Dunkel's virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the nuances of Mozart's music. Dunkel's performance of this concerto has since become a benchmark for flutists around the world. Another highlight of Dunkel's career was his 2005 performance of Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring with the Westchester Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was part of a celebration of Copland's music, and Dunkel's interpretation of the piece was widely praised for its sensitivity and emotional depth. In addition to his work as a performer and conductor, Dunkel has also been an advocate for the arts. He has served on the boards of various arts organizations, including the National Flute Association and the Westchester Arts Council. Dunkel has also been a vocal supporter of music education, advocating for the importance of music in schools and communities.

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