Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

February 23, 1967 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

 

Alan Gilbert is a renowned American conductor and violinist who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Born on February 23, 1967, in New York City, Gilbert was raised in a family of musicians. His father, Michael Gilbert, was a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, and his mother, Yoko Takebe, was a cellist with the same orchestra. Growing up in such a musical environment, it was no surprise that Gilbert developed a passion for music at a young age. Gilbert began playing the violin at the age of four and was soon recognized as a prodigious talent. He studied at the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division and later attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in music. After completing his studies, Gilbert embarked on a career as a professional musician, performing as a violinist with various orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1995, Gilbert made his conducting debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, and his talent as a conductor was immediately apparent. He went on to serve as the orchestra's principal guest conductor from 1999 to 2008, during which time he conducted numerous acclaimed performances and recordings. In 2003, Gilbert was appointed as the music director of the Santa Fe Opera, a position he held until 2006. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of several critically acclaimed operas, including the world premiere of Lewis Spratlan's "Life is a Dream." In 2009, Gilbert was appointed as the music director of the New York Philharmonic, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. He was the first native New Yorker to hold the position in over 30 years. Gilbert's tenure with the New York Philharmonic was marked by numerous highlights, including the orchestra's first-ever performance in North Korea in 2008, which was hailed as a historic cultural exchange. Under Gilbert's leadership, the New York Philharmonic also launched several innovative initiatives, including the "Contact!" series, which featured contemporary music and multimedia performances. Gilbert's commitment to contemporary music was also evident in his programming choices, which included works by living composers such as John Adams, Magnus Lindberg, and Christopher Rouse. Gilbert's tenure with the New York Philharmonic was also marked by numerous awards and accolades. In 2011, he was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award, which recognizes conductors who have made significant contributions to the performance of American music. In 2015, he was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal for his contributions to cultural diplomacy. In addition to his work with the New York Philharmonic, Gilbert has also conducted numerous other orchestras around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also made several acclaimed recordings, including a Grammy-nominated recording of Magnus Lindberg's "Graffiti" with the New York Philharmonic. Gilbert's tenure with the New York Philharmonic came to an end in 2017, and he has since continued to perform and conduct with various orchestras around the world. He has also been involved in several educational initiatives, including the Juilliard School's Conducting Fellowship program. In conclusion, Alan Gilbert is a highly accomplished musician and conductor who has made a significant impact on the classical music world.

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