Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

September 24, 1946 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Marc Neikrug is a renowned American classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a composer, pianist, and conductor. Born on August 3, 1946, in New York City, Neikrug grew up in a family of musicians. His father, George Neikrug, was a cellist, and his mother, Miriam Fried, was a violinist. Neikrug's parents were both accomplished musicians who performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. Neikrug began his musical training at an early age, studying piano with his mother and cello with his father. He showed exceptional talent and was soon performing in public. At the age of 12, he made his debut as a pianist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major. This performance marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in music. Neikrug continued his musical studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied piano with Rosina Lhevinne and composition with Vincent Persichetti. He also studied conducting with Jean Morel and Leonard Bernstein. Neikrug's talent as a composer was evident from an early age, and he began to receive commissions for his work while still a student at Juilliard. After completing his studies at Juilliard, Neikrug embarked on a career as a concert pianist, performing with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also performed as a soloist and chamber musician at major music festivals around the world, including the Marlboro Music Festival, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival. In addition to his career as a pianist, Neikrug continued to compose music throughout his life. His compositions have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and chamber ensembles, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Emerson String Quartet. Neikrug's music is known for its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and technical virtuosity. Neikrug has also made significant contributions to the world of music as a conductor. He has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as the music director of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his career, Neikrug has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1986, he was awarded the Kennedy Center Friedheim Award for his Piano Quintet. In 1990, he was awarded the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for his book, "The Art of Practicing." In 2008, he was awarded the El Paso Community Foundation's Living Legend Award for his contributions to the arts. In addition to his work as a musician, Neikrug has also been a dedicated teacher and mentor to young musicians. He has taught at the Juilliard School, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the University of Texas at Austin. He has also served as the artistic director of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and the El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber Music Festival. Neikrug's contributions to the world of music have been significant and far-reaching.

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