Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 17, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

David Amram is a renowned American composer, conductor, and multi-instrumentalist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on November 17, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Amram grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a successful businessman who played the violin as a hobby, while his mother was a writer and social activist who encouraged her children to pursue their passions. Amram's interest in music began at an early age, and he started playing the piano when he was just six years old. He later learned to play the French horn, trumpet, and a variety of other instruments, including the Native American flute, which he became known for incorporating into his compositions. Amram attended the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, where he studied composition and conducting. After graduating from Oberlin, Amram moved to New York City, where he quickly became involved in the city's vibrant music scene. He played with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charles Mingus, and he also worked as a composer and arranger for Broadway shows and television programs. In the 1950s and 1960s, Amram was a regular performer at the famous jazz club Birdland, where he played with some of the biggest names in the business. Despite his success in the jazz world, Amram remained committed to classical music, and he continued to compose and conduct throughout his career. One of his most famous works is his "Symphonic Variations on a Song by Woody Guthrie," which he composed in 1965. The piece is based on Guthrie's song "This Land Is Your Land," and it incorporates elements of folk music, jazz, and classical music. The "Symphonic Variations" has been performed by orchestras around the world, and it remains one of Amram's most popular compositions. Another notable work by Amram is his "Triple Concerto for Woodwind, Brass, and Jazz Quintets," which he composed in 1984. The piece features three soloists – a woodwind player, a brass player, and a jazz quintet – and it combines elements of classical music, jazz, and world music. The "Triple Concerto" has been performed by numerous orchestras, and it has been praised for its innovative approach to combining different musical styles. In addition to his work as a composer, Amram is also known for his conducting. He has conducted orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra. He has also conducted numerous opera productions, including the world premiere of his own opera "Twelfth Night" in 1968. Throughout his career, Amram has been recognized for his contributions to classical music. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in 2016. He has also been inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Despite his many accomplishments, Amram remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to compose and perform, and he is known for his generosity in mentoring young musicians. His contributions to classical music have been significant, and his innovative approach to combining different musical styles has inspired countless musicians around the world.

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