Steven Becknell is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born in the United States, Becknell showed an early interest in music and began playing the French horn at a young age. He was born on August 22, 1959, in the city of San Francisco, California. Becknell's passion for music continued to grow as he progressed through his education. He attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of Douglas Hill. After completing his studies, Becknell began his professional career as a musician. Becknell's talent and dedication to his craft quickly became apparent, and he soon began to receive recognition for his work. In 1981, he won the prestigious International Horn Competition of America, which helped to launch his career as a soloist. Over the years, Becknell has performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many famous conductors, such as Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and James Levine. One of Becknell's most notable performances was his solo performance of Richard Strauss's Horn Concerto No. 1 with the New York Philharmonic in 1985. The performance was highly acclaimed, and Becknell received widespread praise for his virtuosic playing. In addition to his work as a soloist, Becknell has also been an active chamber musician. He has performed with many chamber ensembles, including the American Brass Quintet and the New York Woodwind Quintet. He has also been a member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra since 1984. Becknell's dedication to his craft has earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In addition to his win at the International Horn Competition of America, he has also won the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Naumburg Award. Becknell's contributions to the world of music extend beyond his performances as a musician. He has also been an active educator, teaching at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music. He has also given masterclasses and workshops around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Throughout his career, Becknell has remained committed to his craft and has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible on the French horn. His virtuosic playing and dedication to his art have made him one of the most respected and admired classical music artists of his generation.

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