Genre

:

Concerto

 

Robert LaMarchina was an American cellist, conductor, and arranger who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on August 3, 1920, in New York City, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Joseph LaMarchina, was a violinist, and his mother, Mary LaMarchina, was a pianist. Robert showed an early interest in music and began playing the cello at the age of six. LaMarchina's talent was recognized early on, and he was accepted into the Juilliard School of Music at the age of 14. He studied under the renowned cellist Felix Salmond and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1941. After graduation, LaMarchina joined the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., where he played for two years. In 1943, LaMarchina was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Army Band. He was stationed in Europe and played in concerts for the troops. After the war, LaMarchina returned to the United States and joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as principal cellist. He played with the orchestra for six years before leaving to pursue a career as a conductor. LaMarchina's conducting career began in 1953 when he was appointed the conductor of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra in Ohio. He held this position for three years before moving to Nashville, Tennessee, to become the conductor of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. LaMarchina led the Nashville Symphony for 25 years, from 1956 to 1981, and during his tenure, the orchestra grew in size and reputation. Under LaMarchina's leadership, the Nashville Symphony Orchestra performed with many renowned soloists, including Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Ma, and Itzhak Perlman. LaMarchina also commissioned and premiered many new works by American composers, including Ned Rorem, William Schuman, and Aaron Copland. In addition to his work with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, LaMarchina was also a prolific arranger. He arranged music for many popular artists, including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Dolly Parton. LaMarchina's arrangements were known for their skillful use of the cello, and he often incorporated the instrument into pop and country songs in unique and unexpected ways. LaMarchina's contributions to classical music were recognized with many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1976, he was awarded the Governor's Award for the Arts in Tennessee, and in 1981, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the Juilliard School. LaMarchina was also a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and was inducted into the Nashville Music Hall of Fame in 1989. Robert LaMarchina passed away on December 19, 2007, at the age of 87. His legacy lives on through his recordings, arrangements, and the many musicians he inspired and mentored throughout his career. LaMarchina's dedication to classical music and his innovative use of the cello continue to inspire and influence musicians today.

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