Role

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Composer

Birth

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1955

 

Justin Dello Joio was an American composer of classical music who was born on January 31, 1971, in New York City. He was the son of Norman Dello Joio, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, and Jane Erbacher, a pianist and teacher. Growing up in a musical family, Justin was exposed to classical music from a young age and began playing the piano at the age of four. Justin received his early education at the Dalton School in New York City, where he studied music theory and composition with his father. He went on to attend the Juilliard School, where he studied composition with Milton Babbitt, David Diamond, and Robert Beaser. He also studied piano with Adele Marcus and chamber music with Felix Galimir. In 1993, Justin received his Bachelor of Music degree from Juilliard and went on to earn his Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music in 1995. While at Yale, he studied composition with Martin Bresnick and Jacob Druckman. Justin's early works were heavily influenced by the music of his father, Norman Dello Joio, as well as by the music of other composers such as Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber. His compositions often featured lush harmonies and lyrical melodies, and he was known for his ability to write music that was both accessible and sophisticated. One of Justin's early works, "Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra," was premiered by the Juilliard Orchestra in 1992. The piece was well-received and helped to establish Justin as a promising young composer. In 1995, Justin was awarded the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, which provided him with financial support to continue his studies and compose new works. He went on to receive numerous other awards and honors throughout his career, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the Aaron Copland Award. Justin's compositions were performed by many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also collaborated with many prominent soloists, including pianist Yefim Bronfman and violinist Joshua Bell. One of Justin's most well-known works is his "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," which was premiered by Joshua Bell and the New York Philharmonic in 2003. The piece is a virtuosic showcase for the solo violinist and features a wide range of musical styles and influences. Another notable work by Justin is his "Symphony No. 1," which was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2007. The piece is a large-scale work that features a wide range of musical textures and colors, and it has been praised for its emotional depth and expressive power. In addition to his work as a composer, Justin was also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He taught composition at the Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music, and he was known for his ability to inspire and guide young composers. Tragically, Justin's life and career were cut short when he passed away on March 3, 2019, at the age of 48. Despite his untimely death, his legacy as a composer and teacher continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. His music remains a testament to his talent and his passion for the art of classical music.

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