Lucille Johnston Snell was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. She was born on August 12, 1911, in New York City, to a family of musicians. Her father, John Johnston, was a violinist, and her mother, Mary Johnston, was a pianist. Lucille grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at a young age. Lucille's talent for music was evident from an early age, and she began taking piano lessons from her mother. She showed remarkable progress and soon started performing at local events. Her parents recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. In 1928, Lucille enrolled at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where she studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Josef Lhévinne. She excelled in her studies and won several awards for her performances. In 1932, she graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree. After completing her studies, Lucille started performing professionally. She made her debut at the Town Hall in New York City in 1933, where she received critical acclaim for her performance. She went on to perform at several prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera House, and the Hollywood Bowl. Lucille's performances were characterized by her technical proficiency, musicality, and emotional depth. She had a unique ability to connect with her audience and convey the essence of the music she played. Her repertoire included works by classical composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin, as well as contemporary composers such as Aaron Copland and George Gershwin. In addition to her solo performances, Lucille also collaborated with other musicians. She performed with renowned conductors such as Arturo Toscanini and Leopold Stokowski, and played with orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Lucille's talent and hard work were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1935, she won the Naumburg Award, which is given to outstanding young musicians. She was also awarded the Town Hall Award in 1940 and the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Medal in 1941. During World War II, Lucille served as a member of the USO (United Service Organizations), where she performed for American troops stationed overseas. Her performances brought comfort and joy to the soldiers, and she was awarded the Medal of Merit by the US government for her service. After the war, Lucille continued to perform and teach. She joined the faculty of the Juilliard School of Music in 1946, where she taught for over 30 years. She also served as a judge for several music competitions, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Lucille's legacy as a musician and teacher continues to inspire generations of musicians. She was a pioneer in the field of classical music and paved the way for women in the industry. Her dedication to her craft and her passion for music will always be remembered. Lucille Johnston Snell passed away on December 31, 1995, at the age of 84. She left behind a rich legacy of music and a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

More....