Role

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Composer Conductor  

Period

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Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

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Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Michael Stairs was a renowned classical music artist who was born on August 5, 1948, in Wilmington, Delaware. He was a gifted musician from a young age and began playing the piano at the age of five. His parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Stairs attended the University of Delaware, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. He then went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he received a Master of Music degree in organ performance. After completing his studies, Stairs began his career as a professional musician. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented organist and pianist and was in high demand for performances and recordings. One of the highlights of Stairs' career was his tenure as the organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. He held this position for over 30 years and was widely regarded as one of the finest church organists in the country. During his time at the church, Stairs performed numerous concerts and recordings, including a critically acclaimed recording of Bach's complete organ works. Stairs was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He also collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, and Seiji Ozawa. In addition to his performances, Stairs was also a respected teacher and mentor. He taught at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Westminster Choir College, where he inspired and influenced many young musicians. Throughout his career, Stairs received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1998, he was awarded the prestigious Stokowski Medal by the Philadelphia Orchestra in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the musical life of the city. He was also a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Delaware and the Curtis Institute of Music. Sadly, Stairs passed away on June 11, 2018, at the age of 69. His death was a great loss to the classical music community, and he was mourned by many of his colleagues and students. In conclusion, Michael Stairs was a gifted and accomplished classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. His talent, dedication, and passion for music inspired and influenced many young musicians, and his legacy continues to live on through his recordings and performances.

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