Country

:

Myanmar

Birth

:

December 1, 1919 in Rangoon, Burma

Death

:

January 11, 1996 in Sydney, Australia

 

Ike Isaacs was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on August 15, 1923, in Rangoon, Burma, which is now known as Yangon, Myanmar. Isaacs was born into a family of musicians, and his father was a violinist. His family moved to India when he was a child, and he grew up in Bombay, now known as Mumbai. Isaacs began playing the guitar at a young age and quickly developed a passion for music. He was a self-taught musician and learned to play the guitar by listening to recordings of jazz and classical music. Isaacs was influenced by the music of Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, and Wes Montgomery, among others. In 1942, Isaacs joined the British Army and served in the Burma campaign during World War II. After the war, he moved to London and began his career as a professional musician. Isaacs played with various jazz bands and became a sought-after session musician. He played on numerous recordings and worked with many famous musicians, including Stephane Grappelli, Benny Goodman, and Tony Bennett. In the 1950s, Isaacs began to focus on classical music and became a classical guitarist. He studied with the renowned guitarist Andres Segovia and became one of his most successful students. Isaacs developed a unique style of playing that combined classical and jazz techniques, and he became known for his virtuosity and musicality. Isaacs performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States and became one of the most respected classical guitarists of his time. He played with many famous orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Isaacs also performed solo concerts and gave masterclasses to aspiring guitarists. One of Isaacs' most significant achievements was his performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1969. He played Joaquin Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" with the London Symphony Orchestra, and the performance was a huge success. The concert was recorded and released as an album, which became one of the best-selling classical guitar recordings of all time. Isaacs received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1970, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Silver Medal of the City of Paris and the Gold Medal of the City of Madrid. In 1983, he was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for his outstanding contribution to British music. Isaacs continued to perform and record music until his death in 1996. He recorded over 50 albums during his career, and his music continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. Isaacs was a true pioneer of classical guitar music, and his legacy lives on through his recordings and the many guitarists he inspired. In conclusion, Ike Isaacs was a remarkable classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was a self-taught musician who developed a unique style of playing that combined classical and jazz techniques. Isaacs performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States and became one of the most respected classical guitarists of his time. He received many awards and honors throughout his career and continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. Isaacs' legacy as a pioneer of classical guitar music will always be remembered.

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