Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

1950 in Boston, MA

 

Scott Speck is a renowned American conductor and classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. He was born on August 29, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a music teacher, which helped to foster his love for music from a young age. Speck began his musical education at the age of six when he started playing the piano. He later learned to play the violin and the cello, which helped him to develop a deep understanding of the different instruments and their roles in an orchestra. He attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he studied music theory, composition, and conducting. After completing his studies at Interlochen, Speck went on to attend the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance. He then went on to study conducting at the Indiana University School of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree in conducting. Speck's career as a conductor began in 1985 when he was appointed as the assistant conductor of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. He quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed as the music director of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra in 1995. During his tenure as the music director, he helped to transform the orchestra into one of the most respected and innovative orchestras in the country. In addition to his work with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, Speck has also served as the music director of the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, and the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. He has also conducted many other orchestras around the world, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. One of the highlights of Speck's career was his performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He conducted the Utah Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" during the opening ceremonies of the games. The performance was widely praised for its energy and excitement, and it helped to cement Speck's reputation as one of the most talented conductors of his generation. Speck has also received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 2003, he was awarded the prestigious Helen M. Thompson Award by the American Symphony Orchestra League, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of orchestral conducting. He has also been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indiana University School of Music and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. In addition to his work as a conductor, Speck is also a respected author and educator. He has written several books on classical music, including "Classical Music for Dummies" and "Understanding the Symphony Orchestra." He has also taught at several universities, including the University of Michigan, the University of Southern California, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Overall, Scott Speck is a highly respected and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His talent, dedication, and passion for music have helped to inspire countless musicians and music lovers around the world, and his legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come.

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