Birth

:

1953 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Daniel Avshalomov was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on September 12, 1919, in Tokyo, Japan, to Russian-Jewish parents. His father, Aaron Avshalomov, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Esther, was a pianist. Daniel grew up in a musical family and was exposed to music from a young age. Daniel's family moved to the United States in 1937, where he continued his musical education. He studied composition with Aaron Copland and Roger Sessions at the New School for Social Research in New York City. He also studied conducting with Fritz Reiner at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In 1941, Daniel joined the United States Army and served as a musician in the Army Band. He was stationed in Europe during World War II and performed for troops in France, Germany, and Austria. After the war, he returned to the United States and continued his musical career. Daniel's career as a composer and conductor took off in the 1950s. He conducted the premiere of his father's Symphony No. 4 with the Portland Symphony Orchestra in 1951. He also conducted the premiere of his own Symphony No. 1 with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra in 1953. In 1954, Daniel was appointed the conductor of the Portland Junior Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for 25 years. He also served as the conductor of the Portland Youth Philharmonic from 1963 to 1975. During his tenure with these orchestras, he introduced young musicians to classical music and helped to develop their talents. Daniel's compositions were performed by orchestras around the world. His Symphony No. 2 was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1956, and his Symphony No. 3 was premiered by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra in 1960. He also composed chamber music, including a string quartet and a piano trio. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Daniel was a respected music educator. He taught at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, from 1951 to 1984. He also taught at the University of Oregon and the University of Washington. Daniel received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1961, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for his work as a composer. In 1970, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Oregon Symphony Association. In 1984, he was awarded the Governor's Arts Award by the State of Oregon. Daniel Avshalomov passed away on November 16, 1993, at the age of 74. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to inspire and influence musicians today. His dedication to music education and his contributions to the world of classical music will always be remembered.

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