Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Robert Atherholt is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born in 1959 in the United States and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a pianist. Atherholt started playing the clarinet at the age of ten and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Atherholt's musical education began at the Interlochen Arts Academy, where he studied under the guidance of renowned clarinetist Clark Brody. He then went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he was a student of Anthony Gigliotti, the principal clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Atherholt also studied with David Weber, a former principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic. After completing his studies, Atherholt began his professional career as a clarinetist. He joined the Houston Symphony Orchestra in 1982 as the principal clarinetist, a position he held for 24 years. During his tenure with the Houston Symphony, Atherholt performed as a soloist with the orchestra on numerous occasions, including performances of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Copland's Clarinet Concerto. In addition to his work with the Houston Symphony, Atherholt has also performed with other major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed as a soloist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra. Atherholt's talent as a clarinetist has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1984, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional promise for a career in classical music. He was also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Grant in 1986. In addition to his work as a performer, Atherholt is also a respected teacher and mentor. He has served on the faculty of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University since 1991 and has also taught at the Interlochen Arts Academy and the Aspen Music Festival and School. Many of his students have gone on to successful careers as professional clarinetists. Atherholt's contributions to the world of music extend beyond his work as a performer and teacher. He has also been involved in the development of new music for the clarinet. He has commissioned and premiered works by composers such as John Harbison, Joan Tower, and Christopher Rouse. One of Atherholt's most notable performances was his 2006 performance of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with the Houston Symphony. The performance was recorded and released on CD, and it received critical acclaim. The Houston Chronicle praised Atherholt's "exquisite phrasing and tonal beauty," and the CD was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by The New York Times. Atherholt's dedication to his craft and his contributions to the world of music have made him one of the most respected clarinetists of his generation. His performances have inspired audiences around the world, and his teaching has helped to shape the next generation of clarinetists.

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