Death

:

July 31, 2008

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Alice Chalifoux was a renowned classical music artist who was born on August 10, 1916, in Mason City, Iowa. She was the daughter of a French-Canadian father and an American mother. Her father was a musician who played the violin and the piano, and he encouraged Alice to pursue music from a young age. Alice began playing the harp at the age of nine, and she quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She studied with several teachers, including Marcel Grandjany, who was one of the most prominent harpists of the time. Alice's talent and dedication to the harp led her to win several competitions and awards, including the prestigious Naumburg Award in 1941. Alice's career as a professional musician began in the 1930s when she joined the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. She played with the orchestra for several years before joining the NBC Symphony Orchestra in New York City, where she played under the direction of Arturo Toscanini. Alice's time with the NBC Symphony Orchestra was a highlight of her career, and she often spoke fondly of her experiences playing with Toscanini. In addition to her work with orchestras, Alice was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. She performed with many of the leading musicians of her time, including violinist Isaac Stern and cellist Pablo Casals. Alice's performances were known for their technical precision and emotional depth, and she was widely regarded as one of the greatest harpists of her generation. One of the most significant moments of Alice's career came in 1959 when she was invited to perform at the White House for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Alice's performance was a great success, and she was invited back to the White House several times over the years to perform for other presidents, including John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Alice's dedication to music extended beyond her performances. She was also a respected teacher and mentor, and she taught at several institutions, including the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and the Juilliard School in New York City. Many of her students went on to have successful careers as harpists, and Alice's influence on the world of classical music continues to be felt today. Throughout her career, Alice received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music. In addition to the Naumburg Award, she was also awarded the Harriet Cohen International Music Award and the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Medal. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1994, and she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Harp Society in 2001. Alice Chalifoux passed away on December 28, 2008, at the age of 92. Her legacy as a musician and teacher continues to inspire generations of harpists and classical musicians. Her dedication to music and her unwavering commitment to excellence serve as a testament to the power of music to bring joy and beauty into the world.

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