Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

September 23, 1910 in Lausanne, Switzerland

Death

:

November 28, 1994 in Sarasota, FL

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Soulima Stravinsky was a Russian-born classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a pianist, composer, and conductor. He was born on September 23, 1910, in Lausanne, Switzerland, to the famous composer Igor Stravinsky and his wife, Catherine Nossenko. Soulima was the second child of the couple, and his elder brother was named Theodore. Soulima's early years were spent in Switzerland, where his father was working on his compositions. However, the family moved to France in 1914, following the outbreak of World War I. In France, Soulima received his early education and began to show an interest in music. He started taking piano lessons at the age of six and showed remarkable talent in the instrument. In 1920, the Stravinsky family moved to Berlin, where Soulima continued his music education under the tutelage of pianist and composer Leonid Kreutzer. He also studied composition with his father and attended the Berlin Conservatory. In 1923, the family moved to Paris, where Soulima continued his studies at the Paris Conservatory. Soulima's talent as a pianist was recognized early on, and he made his debut performance at the age of 16, playing his father's Piano Sonata. He went on to perform in various concerts and recitals in Europe and the United States, earning critical acclaim for his performances. In 1930, Soulima made his debut as a conductor, leading the Paris Symphony Orchestra in a performance of his father's Symphony of Psalms. He continued to conduct various orchestras throughout his career, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Soulima also had a successful career as a composer, with his works being performed by various orchestras and ensembles. His compositions were influenced by his father's neoclassical style, but he also incorporated elements of jazz and other contemporary styles into his music. One of Soulima's most significant achievements was his collaboration with his father on the ballet Agon. The ballet, which premiered in 1957, was a groundbreaking work that combined classical ballet with modern dance and jazz. Soulima played a crucial role in the creation of the score, working closely with his father to develop the music for the ballet. Throughout his career, Soulima received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1962, he was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur by the French government for his services to music. He also received the Order of Merit from the German government in 1970 and was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 1973. Soulima continued to perform and compose music until his death on November 28, 1994, in New York City. He left behind a legacy as a talented musician and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

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