Role

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Conductor Performer

 

Robert Hart Baker was an American conductor, composer, and music educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on October 3, 1921, in Norwalk, Connecticut, to parents who were both musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, and they both played in the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. Baker grew up in a musical environment and began playing the piano at a young age. Baker attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with Bernard Wagenaar and conducting with Edgar Varèse. He also studied at the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood, where he worked with Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. After completing his studies, Baker began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras in the United States and Europe. One of Baker's most significant achievements was his tenure as the music director of the New York City Ballet. He held this position from 1958 to 1982 and was responsible for selecting the music for the ballets and conducting the orchestra during performances. During his time with the New York City Ballet, Baker worked closely with choreographer George Balanchine, and together they created some of the most iconic ballet productions of the 20th century. Baker also served as the music director of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1964 to 1976. During his tenure, he expanded the orchestra's repertoire and brought in guest soloists and conductors from around the world. He also led the orchestra on several international tours, including a trip to the Soviet Union in 1967. In addition to his work as a conductor, Baker was also a prolific composer. He wrote music for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments, and his works were performed by orchestras around the world. Some of his most famous compositions include "Concerto for Viola and Orchestra," "Symphony No. 1," and "Symphony No. 2." Baker was also a dedicated music educator and taught at several universities throughout his career. He was a professor of music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1953 to 1964 and later served as the dean of the School of Music at Indiana University from 1982 to 1986. He also taught at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. Throughout his career, Baker received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1991, and in 1992 he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Illinois, Indiana University, and the Juilliard School. Robert Hart Baker passed away on March 18, 2016, at the age of 94. He left behind a legacy of excellence in classical music, and his contributions to the field will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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