Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 14, 1865 in Delphi, IN

Death

:

December 24, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Walter B. Rogers was a renowned American composer, conductor, and arranger who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 28, 1881, in New York City, Rogers showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied music at the New York College of Music and the Institute of Musical Art, where he honed his skills as a composer and conductor. Rogers began his career as a composer in the early 1900s, writing music for various theatrical productions and vaudeville shows. He also worked as a staff arranger for several music publishers, including Carl Fischer and G. Schirmer. In 1915, he composed his first major work, a ballet titled "The Princess and the Pea," which was performed by the Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Rogers continued to compose and arrange music for a variety of mediums, including film, radio, and television. He also worked as a conductor for several orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the NBC Symphony Orchestra. In 1939, he was appointed the conductor of the Goldman Band, a position he held until his death in 1966. One of Rogers' most significant contributions to classical music was his work as an arranger. He was known for his skill in adapting popular songs and other works for orchestral performance, and his arrangements were widely performed by orchestras around the world. Some of his most famous arrangements include "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa and "The Syncopated Clock" by Leroy Anderson. Rogers also composed several original works for orchestra, including his "Suite for Orchestra," which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1928. He also wrote music for several films, including "The Big Broadcast of 1937" and "The Big Broadcast of 1938." In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Rogers was also a respected conductor. He conducted several orchestras throughout his career, including the New York Philharmonic, the NBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Goldman Band. He was known for his precise and energetic conducting style, and his performances were always well-received by audiences and critics alike. Throughout his career, Rogers received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1951, he was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award, which recognized his outstanding contributions to American music. He was also inducted into the American Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame in 1960. Walter B. Rogers died on June 17, 1966, at the age of 84. His legacy as a composer, arranger, and conductor continues to be celebrated by musicians and music lovers around the world. His contributions to classical music have had a lasting impact on the genre, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences today.

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