Alfred Sommer was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on May 12, 1927, in Berlin, Germany, Sommer was the son of a Jewish family. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a talented pianist. Sommer's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Sommer began his musical training at the age of six, studying piano with his mother. He showed exceptional talent and quickly progressed to more advanced pieces. At the age of ten, Sommer began studying violin with a local teacher. He soon became proficient in both instruments and began performing in public concerts. In 1938, Sommer's family fled Germany due to the rise of the Nazi regime. They settled in the United States, where Sommer continued his musical studies. He attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied violin with Ivan Galamian and chamber music with Felix Salmond. Sommer also studied conducting with Leonard Bernstein and composition with Roger Sessions. After completing his studies, Sommer began his professional career as a violinist. He performed with several orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He also performed as a soloist, playing with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras. In addition to his work as a violinist, Sommer was also an accomplished conductor. He served as the music director of several orchestras, including the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. He was known for his innovative programming and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. Sommer's career was marked by several notable performances and awards. In 1956, he performed the world premiere of Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The performance was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish Barber as one of the leading American composers of the time. In 1964, Sommer was awarded the prestigious Naumburg Award for his outstanding contributions to the world of music. The award recognized his exceptional talent as a violinist and his dedication to promoting classical music. Sommer's career continued to flourish throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. He also continued to conduct, leading several orchestras in the United States and Europe. In addition to his work as a performer and conductor, Sommer was also a respected teacher. He taught at several universities, including the Yale School of Music and the University of Hartford. He was known for his ability to inspire and motivate his students, many of whom went on to have successful careers in music. Sommer's legacy as a musician and educator continues to be felt today. His recordings are still widely admired for their technical precision and emotional depth. His students remember him as a mentor who challenged them to reach their full potential. And his contributions to the world of classical music continue to inspire new generations of musicians. Alfred Sommer passed away on January 20, 2014, at the age of 86. He will be remembered as one of the greatest classical music artists of his time, a true master of his craft, and a dedicated teacher who inspired countless students to pursue their dreams.

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