Role

:

Conductor Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 26, 1903 in Allentown, PA

Death

:

January 10, 1989 in Cape May Court House, NJ

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

Donald Voorhees was an American conductor and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on July 26, 1903, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to a family of musicians. His father, Frank Voorhees, was a violinist, and his mother, Mary Voorhees, was a pianist. Donald showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Voorhees attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied conducting with Fritz Reiner and composition with Rosario Scalero. He also studied at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received a degree in conducting. After completing his studies, Voorhees began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras and opera companies. In 1929, Voorhees became the conductor of the Bell Telephone Hour Orchestra, a position he held for over 20 years. The Bell Telephone Hour was a popular radio program that featured classical music performances and interviews with famous musicians. Voorhees was responsible for selecting the music and conducting the orchestra for the program. He also composed several pieces of music for the show, including the theme song. During his tenure with the Bell Telephone Hour Orchestra, Voorhees conducted many famous musicians, including Jascha Heifetz, Arturo Toscanini, and Leopold Stokowski. He also conducted the orchestra for several Hollywood films, including "The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone with the Wind." In addition to his work with the Bell Telephone Hour Orchestra, Voorhees conducted many other orchestras and opera companies throughout his career. He was the conductor of the NBC Symphony Orchestra from 1952 to 1953 and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 1955 to 1957. He also conducted the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, among others. Voorhees was known for his ability to bring out the best in his musicians and for his attention to detail. He was a demanding conductor who expected his musicians to perform at their best. He was also known for his ability to communicate with his audience, making classical music accessible to a wider audience. Throughout his career, Voorhees received many awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1953, he received the Ditson Conductor's Award, which is given to conductors who have made significant contributions to American music. He was also awarded the National Music Council's Citation of Merit in 1960 and the American Symphony Orchestra League's Gold Baton Award in 1970. Voorhees continued to conduct and compose music until his death on April 10, 1989, in New York City. He was 85 years old. His contributions to classical music continue to be celebrated and remembered today.

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