Role

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Composer Conductor

 

David Itkin is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a conductor, pianist, and educator. Born on August 22, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, Itkin grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Itkin began his musical journey by learning to play the piano at the age of five. He showed exceptional talent and was soon performing in public. At the age of 12, he made his debut as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major. Itkin continued to hone his skills as a pianist and went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance in 1973 and his Master of Music degree in 1974. During his time at Juilliard, Itkin also studied conducting with Jean Morel and Jorge Mester. After completing his studies, Itkin began his career as a pianist, performing in concerts and recitals across the United States and Europe. He also worked as a conductor, leading orchestras in various cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas. In 1980, Itkin was appointed as the music director of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra in Texas. He held this position for six years and helped to transform the orchestra into a world-class ensemble. During his tenure, he conducted numerous concerts and introduced new works to the repertoire. In 1986, Itkin was appointed as the music director of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. He held this position for 14 years and helped to elevate the orchestra's profile. Under his leadership, the orchestra performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Itkin's talent as a conductor was recognized by the music industry, and he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1991, he was awarded the Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for his contributions to the arts in the state. In 1997, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Juilliard School. In addition to his work as a conductor, Itkin is also an accomplished educator. He has taught at various institutions, including the University of Southern California, the University of North Texas, and the University of Memphis. He has also served as a guest conductor and lecturer at numerous universities and music festivals. Itkin's passion for music and dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure in the classical music world. His performances are known for their energy, precision, and emotional depth. He has conducted some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. In 2004, Itkin was appointed as the music director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra. He held this position for 10 years and helped to establish the orchestra as a major cultural institution in the city. During his tenure, he conducted numerous concerts and introduced new works to the repertoire. Itkin's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized by his peers and the music industry. In 2014, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. In 2015, he was inducted into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame. Today, Itkin continues to perform and conduct concerts around the world.

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