Role

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Composer  

Birth

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April 27, 1943 in Hammond, IN

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Jon Deak is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a composer, bassist, and educator. Born on November 12, 1943, in Freeport, Illinois, Deak grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Deak started playing the piano at the age of five and later switched to the double bass when he was in high school. Deak attended the University of Illinois, where he studied music composition and double bass performance. He later earned a master's degree in music composition from the Yale School of Music. During his time at Yale, Deak studied with renowned composers such as Elliott Carter, Jacob Druckman, and Krzysztof Penderecki. After completing his studies, Deak began his career as a bassist, performing with various orchestras and ensembles. He played with the New York Philharmonic for over 30 years, serving as the principal bassist from 1974 to 2008. Deak also performed with the Aspen Music Festival, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and the Santa Fe Opera. In addition to his career as a bassist, Deak is also a prolific composer. He has written numerous works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments. His compositions are known for their innovative use of sound and unconventional instrumentation. Some of his most famous works include "Jack and the Beanstalk," "The Adventures of Ivan," and "B.B. Wolf." Deak's compositions have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with renowned conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, and Lorin Maazel. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Deak is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Aspen Music Festival. He is also the founder of the Very Young Composers program, which encourages children to create their own music. Deak has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1995, he was awarded the ASCAP Foundation Victor Herbert Award for his outstanding contributions to the American musical theater. He has also received the American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship, and the Guggenheim Fellowship. One of the highlights of Deak's career was the premiere of his opera "The Passion of Scrooge" in 2015. The opera, which is based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and featured a cast of over 100 performers. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it has since been performed by other orchestras around the world. Another notable performance of Deak's work was the premiere of his composition "Concerto for Contrabass and Orchestra" in 1984. The piece, which was written specifically for Deak, features unconventional techniques such as playing the bass with a bow made of fishing line. The concerto has since become a staple of the bass repertoire and has been performed by bassists around the world. In conclusion, Jon Deak is a highly respected and influential figure in the world of classical music. His contributions as a performer, composer, and educator have had a significant impact on the field, and his innovative approach to music has inspired countless musicians and audiences.

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