Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 11, 1894 in Nikolayevsk, Siberia

Death

:

April 26, 1965 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Ballet

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Aaron Avshalomov was a renowned classical music composer who was born on September 4, 1913, in Vladivostok, Russia. He was the son of a Jewish family who had emigrated from Lithuania to Russia. His father, Jacob Avshalomov, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Miriam Avshalomov, was a pianist and music teacher. Aaron grew up in a musical environment, and his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in music. At the age of six, Aaron began studying the violin with his mother. He showed exceptional talent and was soon performing in public concerts. He also began composing music at a young age and wrote his first piece, a piano sonata, when he was only 12 years old. In 1929, when Aaron was 16 years old, his family moved to the United States, settling in Portland, Oregon. In Portland, Aaron continued his musical studies, studying composition with Ernst Bloch and conducting with Pierre Monteux. He also played in the Portland Symphony Orchestra and the Portland Junior Symphony. In 1935, he graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in music. After graduation, Aaron moved to New York City to pursue a career as a composer. He studied with Aaron Copland and Roger Sessions at the New School for Social Research. He also worked as a freelance composer, writing music for radio, television, and film. In 1940, he won a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to China to study Chinese music. Aaron's trip to China had a profound impact on his music. He was fascinated by the traditional Chinese music he heard and began incorporating Chinese musical elements into his compositions. He also became interested in the Chinese language and culture and began studying Mandarin. In 1947, Aaron returned to the United States and settled in Portland, Oregon. He became the conductor of the Portland Junior Symphony and taught at Lewis & Clark College. He also continued to compose music, incorporating Chinese musical elements into his works. Some of his most famous compositions include "Symphony No. 1: Poems," "Symphony No. 2: The Bamboo Flute," and "Symphony No. 3: The Oregon." Aaron's music was well-received by critics and audiences alike. His use of Chinese musical elements was seen as innovative and groundbreaking. He was also praised for his ability to blend Western and Eastern musical traditions. In 1961, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Japanese government for his contributions to Japanese music. In addition to his work as a composer, Aaron was also a respected music educator. He taught at Lewis & Clark College for over 30 years and was a mentor to many young musicians. He was also a guest lecturer at universities and music schools around the world. Aaron Avshalomov passed away on April 23, 1995, at the age of 81. He left behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and influential composers of the 20th century. His music continues to be performed and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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