Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

Stanley Glasser was a South African composer, conductor, and pianist who was born on August 10, 1926, in Cape Town, South Africa. He was the son of a Russian immigrant father and a South African mother. Glasser's father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, so he grew up in a musical household. Glasser began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Glasser studied music at the University of Cape Town, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree. He then went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Herbert Howells and conducting with Sir Adrian Boult. Glasser also studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Nadia Boulanger. After completing his studies, Glasser returned to South Africa, where he worked as a composer, conductor, and pianist. He was the conductor of the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra from 1954 to 1956 and the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra from 1956 to 1960. Glasser also worked as a music teacher and lecturer at the University of Cape Town. Glasser's music was influenced by his South African heritage and his travels around the world. He incorporated elements of African music, jazz, and classical music into his compositions. Glasser's music was known for its rhythmic complexity and its use of unconventional instruments, such as the marimba and the mbira. One of Glasser's most famous works is his opera, "Eskia Mphahlele," which premiered in 1971. The opera tells the story of a South African writer and activist who was exiled from his home country for his political beliefs. The opera was praised for its use of African rhythms and its powerful message about the struggle for freedom and equality. Glasser also composed a number of orchestral works, including "African Fantasy" and "Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra." His chamber music includes works for string quartet, piano trio, and wind quintet. Glasser's music was performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. In addition to his work as a composer, Glasser was also a passionate advocate for music education. He believed that music was a powerful tool for social change and worked to bring music education to underprivileged communities in South Africa. Glasser founded the Cape Town Youth Orchestra and the South African Society for Music Teachers. Glasser's contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga by the South African government in 2005 for his contributions to music and education. Glasser also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Music Rights Organization in 2008. Glasser continued to compose and perform music until his death on January 4, 2018, at the age of 91. His legacy as a composer, conductor, and educator continues to inspire musicians around the world.

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