Role

:

Conductor

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

August 20, 1943 in Cleveland, OH

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Jiggs Whigham is a renowned jazz trombonist, conductor, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 20, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, Whigham grew up in a musical family and began playing the trombone at the age of 11. He was inspired by the music of jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Dizzy Gillespie, and he quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Whigham's talent and dedication to music led him to attend the Indiana University School of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned trombonist and educator, Buddy Baker. During his time at Indiana University, Whigham honed his skills as a performer and began to establish himself as a rising star in the world of jazz. After completing his studies, Whigham began his professional career as a trombonist, performing with some of the most prominent jazz musicians of the time, including Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, and Woody Herman. He also worked as a studio musician, recording with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Quincy Jones. In addition to his work as a performer, Whigham has also made significant contributions to the world of classical music as a conductor and educator. He has served as the conductor of numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Big Band, and the BBC Concert Orchestra. He has also taught at several prestigious music schools, including the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Throughout his career, Whigham has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music. In 1997, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, one of the country's highest honors, for his work as a conductor and educator. He has also been recognized for his contributions to jazz education, receiving the Jazz Education Network's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. One of Whigham's most notable performances came in 1989 when he conducted the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra in a performance of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" at the Berlin Wall. The performance was a historic moment, as it marked the first time that an American orchestra had performed at the wall since its construction in 1961. The concert was broadcast live on television and was seen by millions of people around the world. Whigham has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of jazz. In 2006, he was inducted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker. In addition to his work as a performer, conductor, and educator, Whigham has also been active in promoting music education and outreach programs. He has worked with organizations such as the International Association of Jazz Educators and the Jazz Foundation of America to provide opportunities for young musicians and to promote the importance of music education. Today, Jiggs Whigham continues to be an active performer, conductor, and educator, inspiring generations of musicians with his passion and dedication to music. His contributions to the world of classical music and jazz have made him a true legend in the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire musicians for years to come.

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