Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1919 in Russia

Death

:

1983

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Opera

 

Michael Spivakovsky was a renowned classical music composer, pianist, and teacher who was born on August 17, 1904, in Kiev, Ukraine. He was the youngest of three children born to a family of musicians. His father, Theodore Spivakovsky, was a well-known pianist and composer, and his mother, Anna Spivakovsky, was a singer and pianist. Michael's older brother, Tossy Spivakovsky, was a violinist, and his sister, Adolphina Spivakovsky, was a pianist. Michael showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He received his first piano lessons from his mother and later studied with his father. In 1919, the Spivakovsky family fled the Russian Revolution and emigrated to Australia, where they settled in Melbourne. Michael continued his music education in Australia and made his debut as a pianist at the age of 14. In 1922, Michael traveled to Europe to further his music education. He studied with some of the most renowned pianists of the time, including Isidor Philipp, Alfred Cortot, and Ignaz Friedman. He also studied composition with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. During his time in Europe, Michael performed in many concerts and recitals, gaining a reputation as a talented pianist and composer. In 1928, Michael returned to Australia and began a successful career as a pianist and composer. He performed in many concerts and recitals throughout Australia and New Zealand, and his compositions were performed by leading orchestras and ensembles. In 1930, he married fellow pianist and composer, Margaret Sutherland, and the couple had two children. Michael's compositions were influenced by his European training and his love of the Romantic era. His works include piano pieces, chamber music, and orchestral works. Some of his most notable compositions include his Piano Concerto No. 1, which was premiered by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1933, and his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered by the Melbourne String Quartet in 1935. In addition to his career as a composer, Michael was also a respected piano teacher. He taught at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and the University of Melbourne, and his students included many successful pianists and composers. During World War II, Michael served in the Australian Army and was stationed in Papua New Guinea. He continued to compose during his time in the army and wrote several works inspired by his experiences, including his Piano Sonata No. 2, which was premiered by the pianist Eileen Joyce in 1944. After the war, Michael continued to compose and perform, and he also became involved in music education and advocacy. He was a founding member of the Music Teachers' Association of Victoria and served as its president from 1951 to 1953. He also served on the board of the Australian Broadcasting Commission and was a strong advocate for the promotion of Australian music. Michael Spivakovsky passed away on December 1, 1981, in Melbourne, Australia. He left behind a legacy as a talented composer, pianist, and teacher who made significant contributions to the Australian music scene. His compositions continue to be performed and recorded, and his influence on Australian music education and advocacy is still felt today.

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