Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

February 10, 1928 in Cedar Rapids, IA

Death

:

May 29, 2007 in Naples, FL

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Donald Johanos was an American conductor and violinist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on September 18, 1928, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Johanos showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of six. Johanos received his formal music education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied violin with Alexander Schneider and conducting with Thor Johnson. After completing his studies, he joined the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as a violinist. He later became the orchestra's assistant conductor and then its music director. In 1962, Johanos was appointed the music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for ten years. During his tenure, he raised the orchestra's profile and reputation, leading it on several successful tours and recording numerous albums. He also commissioned several new works and premiered pieces by composers such as Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, and William Schuman. Johanos was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. He was also a champion of contemporary music and was instrumental in promoting the works of American composers. In addition to his work with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Johanos conducted many other orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra. One of Johanos's most significant achievements was his work with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. He was appointed the orchestra's music director in 1979 and held the position for 18 years. During his tenure, he transformed the orchestra into a world-class ensemble, leading it on several international tours and recording numerous albums. He also commissioned several new works and premiered pieces by composers such as John Adams, Philip Glass, and Joan Tower. Johanos was widely recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Endowment for the Arts Conductors Award, the Wisconsin Arts Board Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Honolulu Symphony Society's Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also inducted into the Wisconsin Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Johanos was a prolific recording artist, and his discography includes over 100 albums. He recorded works by a wide range of composers, from Bach and Beethoven to contemporary composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass. His recordings have received critical acclaim and have been praised for their clarity, precision, and musicality. Johanos was also a respected educator and mentor. He taught at several universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Michigan, and the University of Hawaii. He was known for his ability to inspire and motivate his students, many of whom went on to successful careers in music. Johanos passed away on November 28, 1997, at the age of 69. His legacy lives on through his recordings, his students, and the many orchestras he conducted throughout his career. He was a true champion of classical music and a beloved figure in the world of music.

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