Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

October 23, 1941 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Lawrence Foster is a renowned American conductor and pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on October 23, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Foster showed an interest in music from a young age and began playing the piano at the age of four. Foster's musical education began at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied piano and conducting. He later continued his studies at the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he studied with the legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein. Foster also studied with Pierre Monteux, a French conductor known for his interpretations of the works of Igor Stravinsky. Foster's career as a conductor began in 1971 when he was appointed as the music director of the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He held this position for six years and was credited with transforming the orchestra into one of the finest in the country. During his tenure, Foster conducted the orchestra in numerous performances and recordings, including the complete symphonies of Gustav Mahler. In 1977, Foster was appointed as the music director of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held for 17 years. During his time with the orchestra, Foster conducted numerous performances and recordings, including the complete symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven and the complete works of Maurice Ravel. Foster has also served as the music director of several other orchestras, including the Orchestre Philharmonique de Marseille, the Orchestre National de Lyon, and the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. He has conducted performances with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. Foster has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government and the Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. In 2018, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the City of Barcelona, the highest honor that the city can bestow. One of Foster's most notable performances was his interpretation of the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet. Foster conducted the opera at the Royal Opera House in London in 2006, and it was widely praised for its energy and passion. Foster's interpretation of the opera was also recorded and released on DVD. Foster has also been involved in the world of film music. He conducted the score for the film The Name of the Rose, which was composed by James Horner. He also conducted the score for the film The Mask of Zorro, which was composed by James Horner and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a conductor, Foster is also an accomplished pianist. He has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also recorded several albums as a pianist, including a recording of the complete piano works of Maurice Ravel. Foster's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers. His passion for music and his dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected and admired conductors of his generation.

More....