Role

:

Conductor  

Birth

:

June 24, 1909 in New York City, NY

Death

:

February 27, 2006 in Seattle, WA

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Milton Katims was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a violist, conductor, and arranger. Born on March 24, 1909, in New York City, Katims showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of six. However, he later switched to the viola, which became his primary instrument. Katims received his formal music education at the Juilliard School, where he studied under the tutelage of William Primrose, one of the most celebrated violists of the 20th century. After completing his studies, Katims joined the NBC Symphony Orchestra, where he played under the direction of Arturo Toscanini, one of the most influential conductors of the time. In 1941, Katims joined the Seattle Symphony Orchestra as its principal violist, a position he held for over a decade. During his tenure with the orchestra, he also served as its associate conductor and made significant contributions to its growth and development. He was instrumental in expanding the orchestra's repertoire and introducing new works to its audiences. In addition to his work with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Katims was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He performed with some of the most renowned musicians of his time, including Jascha Heifetz, Isaac Stern, and Pablo Casals. He also collaborated with the Budapest String Quartet, one of the most celebrated chamber ensembles of the 20th century. Katims was also a prolific arranger and conductor. He arranged numerous works for the viola, including Bach's Cello Suites, which he transcribed for the viola and recorded in 1950. He also arranged works for other instruments, including the harp and the guitar. As a conductor, he led many orchestras, including the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. One of the highlights of Katims' career was his performance at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival. He was invited to perform with the Modern Jazz Quartet, a groundbreaking jazz ensemble that fused elements of classical music with jazz. The performance was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish the Modern Jazz Quartet as one of the most innovative and influential jazz ensembles of the time. Katims received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Seattle Symphony Orchestra's Outstanding Service Award in 1955 and the University of Washington's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1961. He was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1998, in recognition of his contributions to the world of classical music. Milton Katims passed away on February 27, 1996, at the age of 86. He left behind a rich legacy of music and a lasting impact on the world of classical music. His contributions as a violist, conductor, and arranger continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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