Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

1917

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Milton Rosenstock was a renowned American conductor and pianist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on August 25, 1917, in New York City, to a family of musicians. His father, Samuel Rosenstock, was a violinist, and his mother, Fannie Rosenstock, was a pianist. Milton showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Rosenstock's musical education began at the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied piano with Josef Lhevinne and conducting with Albert Stoessel. He later continued his studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied conducting with Fritz Reiner and piano with Rudolf Serkin. In 1941, Rosenstock made his debut as a conductor with the New York Philharmonic, where he served as an assistant conductor under Artur Rodzinski. He quickly gained recognition for his talent and was appointed as the orchestra's associate conductor in 1943. Rosenstock remained with the New York Philharmonic until 1947, during which time he conducted numerous concerts and made several recordings. In 1947, Rosenstock was appointed as the music director of the New York City Opera, a position he held until 1958. During his tenure, he conducted over 100 productions, including the world premiere of Samuel Barber's "Vanessa" in 1958. Rosenstock's work with the New York City Opera earned him critical acclaim and established him as one of the leading conductors of his time. In addition to his work with the New York City Opera, Rosenstock also conducted numerous other orchestras and opera companies throughout his career. He served as the music director of the San Francisco Opera from 1958 to 1964, where he conducted several notable productions, including the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's "The Last Savage" in 1963. Rosenstock also conducted the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, among others. Rosenstock's talent as a pianist was also widely recognized. He frequently performed as a soloist and chamber musician, and he recorded several albums of piano music. In 1951, he performed the world premiere of Aaron Copland's Piano Fantasy with the New York Philharmonic. Throughout his career, Rosenstock received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1955, he was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award, which recognized his outstanding contributions to American music. He was also awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York in 1964, and he received an honorary doctorate from the Juilliard School of Music in 1972. Rosenstock continued to conduct and perform well into his later years. He served as the music director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra from 1975 to 1977, and he conducted several concerts with the New York Philharmonic in the 1980s. He also continued to perform as a pianist, giving recitals and chamber music concerts. Milton Rosenstock passed away on June 9, 1993, at the age of 75. He left behind a legacy of exceptional musicianship and dedication to classical music. His contributions to the world of opera and orchestral music continue to be celebrated and remembered today.

More....