Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Allen Blustine is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a clarinetist, composer, and educator. Born on August 22, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, Blustine grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Blustine's love for music began when he was just six years old, and he started playing the clarinet. He was a natural talent and quickly became proficient in playing the instrument. He continued to hone his skills throughout his childhood and teenage years, and by the time he was ready to attend college, he had already established himself as a promising young musician. Blustine attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned clarinetist David Weber. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1954 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the same institution. During his time at Juilliard, Blustine was a member of the Juilliard Orchestra and the New York City Ballet Orchestra, where he gained valuable experience performing in front of large audiences. After completing his studies, Blustine began his professional career as a clarinetist, performing with various orchestras and ensembles. He was a member of the New York Philharmonic from 1956 to 1958 and played with the American Symphony Orchestra from 1962 to 1965. He also performed with the New York City Opera Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the New York City Ballet Orchestra. In addition to his work as a performer, Blustine was also a prolific composer. He wrote numerous pieces for the clarinet, including solo works, chamber music, and orchestral pieces. His compositions were well-received by audiences and critics alike, and he was recognized for his contributions to the world of music. One of the highlights of Blustine's career was his performance at the 1964 Newport Jazz Festival. He was invited to perform with the Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop, which was a significant honor for a classical musician. Blustine's performance was well-received, and he received critical acclaim for his ability to blend classical and jazz styles seamlessly. Blustine continued to perform and compose throughout his career, and he also became an influential educator. He taught at the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the State University of New York at Purchase. He was known for his dedication to his students and his ability to inspire them to reach their full potential. Blustine received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship, the New York State Council on the Arts Composer Fellowship, and the ASCAP Award for Young Composers. He was also a recipient of the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award. Blustine's contributions to the world of music have been significant, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world. He passed away on December 31, 2017, at the age of 85, but his music and his influence will live on for generations to come.

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