Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

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1960 in Cleveland, OH

 

Kermit Poling is a renowned American composer, conductor, and violinist. He was born on August 22, 1960, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to a family of musicians. His father, James Poling, was a pianist and composer, and his mother, Mary Poling, was a violinist. Kermit Poling grew up in a musical environment and started playing the violin at the age of four. Poling received his early music education from his parents and later studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. As a violinist, Poling has performed with numerous orchestras, including the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. He has also been a member of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra since its inception in 1991. In addition to his work as a violinist, Poling is also a prolific composer. He has written music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. His compositions have been performed by orchestras across the United States, including the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, and the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. One of Poling's most notable compositions is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in 2003. The symphony is a tribute to the city of New Orleans and its rich musical heritage. It features elements of jazz, blues, and gospel music, as well as traditional classical forms. Poling's other notable compositions include his Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, which was premiered by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in 2007, and his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered by the Cypress String Quartet in 2010. In addition to his work as a composer and violinist, Poling is also an accomplished conductor. He has served as the music director of the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra since 1992 and has also conducted numerous other orchestras, including the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, and the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. Poling is also a passionate advocate for music education. He has served as the director of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts' summer music program since 1992 and has also taught at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Louisiana State University. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Poling has received numerous awards and honors. In 2010, he was named a Louisiana Legend by the Louisiana Public Broadcasting Foundation, and in 2012, he received the Distinguished Artist Award from the Louisiana State Arts Council. Overall, Kermit Poling is a highly accomplished musician and composer who has made significant contributions to the classical music world. His compositions are known for their innovative blend of classical and popular music styles, and his work as a conductor and music educator has helped to inspire a new generation of musicians.

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