James Reese was a renowned classical music artist who was born on October 28, 1860, in Washington, D.C. He was the son of Alexander and Mary Reese, who were both free African Americans. James Reese grew up in a musical family, and his father was a well-known musician who played the violin and the cornet. James Reese showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at a young age. He received his formal music education at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, where he studied under the renowned violinist and composer, Joseph Joachim. After completing his studies, James Reese moved to New York City, where he began his career as a professional musician. In 1881, James Reese joined the orchestra of the New York Philharmonic, where he played the violin for several years. He also played with other orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. James Reese was known for his virtuosity on the violin and his ability to play a wide range of musical styles. In addition to his work as a classical musician, James Reese was also a composer and arranger. He wrote several pieces for the violin, including his most famous work, "The American Concerto." He also arranged music for other instruments, including the piano and the orchestra. One of the highlights of James Reese's career was his performance at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. He played the violin in a series of concerts that were attended by thousands of people. His performance was widely praised, and he received several offers to perform in Europe. In 1899, James Reese formed his own orchestra, which he called the Clef Club Orchestra. The orchestra was made up of African American musicians, and it quickly became one of the most popular orchestras in New York City. The Clef Club Orchestra played a wide range of music, including classical, jazz, and popular music. In 1910, James Reese and his orchestra were invited to perform at the Paris Exposition. This was a significant achievement for an African American musician at the time, and it helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry. The Clef Club Orchestra received rave reviews for their performances in Paris, and they were invited to perform in other European cities. In 1914, James Reese and his orchestra were invited to perform at the opening of the Panama Canal. This was another significant achievement for the orchestra, and it helped to cement their reputation as one of the best orchestras in the world. James Reese continued to perform and compose music throughout his life. He died on May 9, 1918, while serving in the U.S. Army during World War I. His legacy as a pioneering African American musician and composer continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

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