Abbie Conant is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a trombonist, composer, and educator. Born on November 27, 1955, in Joliet, Illinois, Conant grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at the age of four. She later switched to the trombone, which became her primary instrument. Conant received her Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University in 1977 and her Master of Music degree from Northwestern University in 1979. She then went on to study at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne, Germany, where she received a soloist diploma in 1980. During her time in Germany, Conant became a member of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, where she served as the principal trombonist from 1980 to 1993. Conant's career as a soloist began in 1989 when she won the prestigious International Trombone Competition in Toulon, France. This victory marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, as she began to perform as a soloist with orchestras and ensembles around the world. She has since performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. One of Conant's most notable performances was her portrayal of the lead role in the opera "Der Kaiser von Atlantis" by Viktor Ullmann. The opera, which was written in a concentration camp during World War II, tells the story of a tyrannical emperor who declares war on the entire world. Conant's performance was praised for its emotional depth and powerful portrayal of the character. In addition to her work as a performer, Conant is also an accomplished composer. She has written numerous works for trombone, including "The Better Angels of Our Nature," which was commissioned by the International Trombone Association in 2011. Her compositions have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and she has received numerous awards and grants for her work. Conant is also a dedicated educator, and has taught at universities and conservatories around the world. She has served as a professor of trombone at the Hochschule für Musik in Trossingen, Germany, and at the University of California, Los Angeles. She has also given masterclasses and workshops at institutions such as the Juilliard School, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Tokyo College of Music. Throughout her career, Conant has been recognized for her contributions to the world of music. In 1993, she was awarded the Bavarian State Prize for Music, and in 2009, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Women's Brass Conference. She has also been awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, one of the country's highest honors. In addition to her musical achievements, Conant is also known for her advocacy work on behalf of women in music. In the 1980s, she became embroiled in a highly publicized legal battle with the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, which had refused to hire her as a permanent member because of her gender. Conant eventually won the case, and her victory helped to pave the way for other women in orchestras around the world. Today, Conant continues to perform, compose, and teach, and her contributions to the world of music are widely recognized and celebrated. She is a true pioneer in her field, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.

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