Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Richard Killmer is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a performer, teacher, and advocate. Born on August 22, 1948, in Syracuse, New York, Killmer grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Killmer showed a keen interest in music and began playing the trumpet at the age of nine. However, it was not until he was in high school that Killmer discovered his true passion for the French horn. He began studying with a local horn player and quickly excelled, winning several competitions and earning a scholarship to attend the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. At Eastman, Killmer studied with Verne Reynolds, a renowned horn player and composer. Under Reynolds' guidance, Killmer developed his skills as a performer and began to explore his interest in contemporary music. He also became involved in the school's brass ensemble and orchestra, performing in numerous concerts and recordings. After graduating from Eastman in 1970, Killmer continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City. There, he studied with James Chambers, a former principal horn player with the New York Philharmonic. Killmer also began to establish himself as a freelance musician, performing with various orchestras and ensembles in the New York area. In 1972, Killmer joined the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as its principal horn player. He held this position for 12 years, during which time he also performed as a soloist and chamber musician. In 1984, Killmer left the orchestra to pursue a career as a full-time teacher and performer. Since then, Killmer has become one of the most respected horn players in the world. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, and has recorded numerous albums of classical and contemporary music. He has also premiered many new works for the French horn, including pieces by composers such as John Harbison, Karel Husa, and Gunther Schuller. In addition to his performing career, Killmer is also a highly respected teacher and mentor. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Eastman School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Aspen Music Festival and School. He is currently a professor of horn at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Throughout his career, Killmer has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1991, he was awarded the International Horn Society's Punto Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the horn and its music. He has also been awarded the Eastman School of Music's Eisenhart Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Indiana University President's Award for Distinguished Teaching. In addition to his performing and teaching work, Killmer is also a passionate advocate for the French horn and its music. He has written several articles and books on the subject, including "The French Horn: A Comprehensive Guide to Playing and Teaching" and "The Horn Handbook." He has also served as the president of the International Horn Society and has been a member of the organization's board of directors for many years. In conclusion, Richard Killmer is a highly respected and accomplished classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a performer, teacher, and advocate.

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