Birth

:

in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Richard Weiss is a renowned cellist and classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born on August 12, 1954, in New York City, Weiss grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Weiss was exposed to classical music and began playing the cello at the age of six. Weiss attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied under the tutelage of Leonard Rose, one of the most prominent cellists of the 20th century. After completing his studies at Juilliard, Weiss went on to study with renowned cellist and pedagogue, Janos Starker, at Indiana University. Weiss began his professional career as a cellist in 1977 when he joined the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as the principal cellist. He held this position for four years before moving to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where he served as the assistant principal cellist for six years. In 1987, Weiss joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra as the principal cellist, a position he held for 25 years until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Weiss performed under the baton of some of the most prominent conductors of the time, including Esa-Pekka Salonen, Zubin Mehta, and Gustavo Dudamel. Weiss has also made numerous solo appearances with orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has collaborated with some of the most prominent conductors of the time, including James Levine, Seiji Ozawa, and Sir Simon Rattle. In addition to his work as a cellist, Weiss is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has served on the faculty of the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and the Colburn School in Los Angeles. He has also given masterclasses and workshops around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring cellists. Throughout his career, Weiss has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music. In 1980, he was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians. He was also a recipient of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, in recognition of his 25 years of service to the orchestra. Weiss has recorded extensively throughout his career, with over 50 recordings to his name. His recordings have received critical acclaim and have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance in 1993. One of the highlights of Weiss's career was his performance of the complete Bach Cello Suites at the Hollywood Bowl in 2011. This performance was a culmination of Weiss's lifelong love of Bach's music and was a testament to his mastery of the cello. In addition to his work as a cellist, Weiss is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has been involved with numerous charitable organizations, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Youth Orchestra Program and the Colburn School's Community School of Performing Arts. In conclusion, Richard Weiss is a highly accomplished cellist and classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. His dedication to his craft, his commitment to teaching and mentoring, and his philanthropic work have made him a beloved figure in the music community.

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