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Marion Ceruti was a classical music composer who was born on May 12, 1925, in Paris, France. She was the daughter of a French mother and an Italian father, both of whom were musicians. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a violinist. From a young age, Ceruti was exposed to music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Ceruti's parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue music. She began studying piano with her mother and later with renowned pianist Marguerite Long. She also studied composition with Nadia Boulanger, a prominent French composer and teacher. Ceruti's early compositions were influenced by the French Impressionist style, which was popular at the time. Her first major work was a piano concerto, which she composed at the age of 18. The concerto was well-received and helped establish Ceruti as a promising young composer. In 1945, Ceruti moved to the United States to study at the Juilliard School in New York City. She continued her studies in composition with Vincent Persichetti and piano with Rosina Lhévinne. While at Juilliard, Ceruti was awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed her to travel to Europe and study with some of the leading composers of the time. Ceruti's compositions during this period were influenced by the neoclassical style, which emphasized clarity and simplicity. Her works were characterized by their use of traditional forms and structures, such as sonatas and concertos, but with a modern twist. One of Ceruti's most famous works is her Piano Concerto No. 2, which she composed in 1952. The concerto is notable for its use of jazz elements, such as syncopated rhythms and bluesy harmonies. The work was premiered by pianist Leonard Pennario and the New York Philharmonic, and it quickly became a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Ceruti continued to compose throughout her career, and her works were performed by some of the leading orchestras and ensembles of the time. She also taught composition at several universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California. In addition to her compositions, Ceruti was also known for her advocacy of contemporary music. She was a founding member of the American Composers Alliance and served as its president from 1972 to 1974. She also served on the board of the American Music Center and was a member of the National Endowment for the Arts music panel. Ceruti's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. She was awarded the Prix de Rome in 1950, the first woman to receive the prestigious award. She was also awarded the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award in 1975 and was elected a member of the Academy in 1980. Marion Ceruti passed away on December 12, 1998, at the age of 73. Her legacy as a composer and advocate for contemporary music lives on through her works and the many musicians she inspired.

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