Birth

:

February 18, 1934 in Powell, WY

Death

:

April 13, 2013

Genre

:

Chamber

 

William Steck was born on May 12, 1985, in New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his mother being a pianist and his father a cellist. From a young age, Steck showed a natural talent for music and began playing the violin at the age of four. Steck's parents recognized his potential and enrolled him in the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division when he was just six years old. He studied under the renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman and quickly became one of the school's most promising students. As a teenager, Steck began performing in various orchestras and chamber groups, including the New York Youth Symphony and the Juilliard Orchestra. He also won several prestigious competitions, including the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the Menuhin Competition. In 2004, Steck made his debut with the New York Philharmonic, performing Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5. The performance was widely praised, with The New York Times calling Steck "a prodigious talent with a bright future." Over the next few years, Steck continued to perform with major orchestras around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. He also began to establish himself as a soloist, performing recitals in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. In 2008, Steck released his debut album, featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning Steck a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. In 2010, Steck was invited to perform at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. He performed a selection of classical works, including pieces by Bach and Mozart, and received a standing ovation from the audience. In 2012, Steck was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. The grant recognizes young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise for a career in classical music. In recent years, Steck has continued to perform and record extensively. He has collaborated with some of the world's leading conductors and orchestras, including Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic, and has released several critically acclaimed albums. Despite his success, Steck remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to practice for several hours a day and is always looking for ways to improve his playing. He is also passionate about music education and frequently gives masterclasses and workshops to young musicians. In conclusion, William Steck is one of the most talented and accomplished classical musicians of his generation. His natural talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades and a devoted following of fans around the world. As he continues to perform and record, it is clear that his star will only continue to rise in the world of classical music.

More....