Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

January 5, 1930 in Galveston, TX

Death

:

May 3, 2020 in Amherst, MA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Symphony

 

Frederick Tillis was an American composer, conductor, and educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on January 5, 1930, in Galveston, Texas, Tillis grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Tillis began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Tillis attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. He then went on to study at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition. While at the conservatory, Tillis studied under the renowned composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. After completing his studies, Tillis began his career as a composer and conductor. He held positions at several universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he served as the director of the Fine Arts Center. He also served as the director of the African American Music Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Throughout his career, Tillis composed a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and choral music. His compositions often incorporated elements of jazz and African American folk music, reflecting his upbringing and cultural heritage. One of Tillis's most notable works is his opera "The Passion of John Brown," which premiered in 1982. The opera tells the story of the abolitionist John Brown and his raid on Harpers Ferry. The work received critical acclaim and was praised for its powerful music and compelling storytelling. Tillis also composed several works for orchestra, including "Afro-American Symphony," which premiered in 1969. The symphony incorporates elements of jazz and African American folk music and was inspired by the civil rights movement. The work has been performed by orchestras around the world and is considered a landmark in African American classical music. In addition to his work as a composer, Tillis was also a respected conductor. He conducted several orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ghana. Tillis was also a dedicated educator and mentor. He taught at several universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Michigan, and the University of Maryland. He was known for his commitment to promoting diversity in classical music and for his efforts to mentor young composers and musicians. Throughout his career, Tillis received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2000 and was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in 2014. Frederick Tillis passed away on July 3, 2020, at the age of 90. His legacy as a composer, conductor, and educator continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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