Role

:

Conductor  

Birth

:

1944

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Stephen Taylor is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on August 17, 1949, in New York City, United States. Taylor grew up in a family of musicians, and his parents were both professional musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Taylor's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Taylor began his musical training at the age of six, and he started playing the oboe when he was ten years old. He attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied with Robert Bloom, a renowned oboist. Taylor graduated from Juilliard with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1971 and a Master of Music degree in 1972. After completing his studies, Taylor joined the New York Philharmonic as the principal oboist in 1972. He held this position for 40 years, until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure with the New York Philharmonic, Taylor performed in numerous concerts and recordings, and he collaborated with many renowned conductors and musicians. Taylor's performances with the New York Philharmonic were highly acclaimed, and he received many awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1984, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize, which is one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. The prize is awarded annually to outstanding instrumentalists, and Taylor was the first oboist to receive this award. In addition to his work with the New York Philharmonic, Taylor was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He performed with many renowned orchestras and ensembles, including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Taylor was also a dedicated teacher, and he taught at the Juilliard School of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Yale School of Music. He was known for his passionate and inspiring teaching style, and many of his students went on to have successful careers in music. Throughout his career, Taylor was committed to promoting contemporary music and commissioning new works for the oboe. He premiered many new works by contemporary composers, including Elliott Carter, John Harbison, and Steven Mackey. Taylor retired from the New York Philharmonic in 2012, but he continued to perform and teach. He was a faculty member at the Tanglewood Music Center and the Aspen Music Festival and School, and he also gave masterclasses and workshops around the world. In recognition of his contributions to the world of music, Taylor received many awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the Avery Fisher Prize, he was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Fellowship, the New York State Governor's Arts Award, and the Harvard Musical Association Medal. Stephen Taylor passed away on May 23, 2020, at the age of 70. He will be remembered as a virtuoso oboist, a passionate teacher, and a champion of contemporary music. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

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