Role

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Conductor

 

Thor Johnson was an American conductor and music educator who made significant contributions to the classical music world during his lifetime. Born on December 10, 1913, in Wisconsin, Johnson showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of six. He later switched to the viola and became a skilled player, performing in various orchestras throughout his youth. Johnson attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1935. He then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received a Master of Music degree in 1937. During his time at Juilliard, Johnson studied conducting with Albert Stoessel and composition with Bernard Wagenaar. After completing his studies, Johnson began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras and opera companies throughout the United States. In 1940, he was appointed the conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for five years. During his tenure, Johnson helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading ensembles in the Midwest, earning critical acclaim for his performances. In 1945, Johnson was appointed the conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for six years. During his time in Cincinnati, Johnson continued to build his reputation as a skilled conductor, earning praise for his interpretations of works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. He also worked to expand the orchestra's repertoire, introducing audiences to lesser-known works by contemporary composers. In 1951, Johnson was appointed the conductor of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for 14 years. During his tenure, he helped to transform the orchestra into one of the leading ensembles on the West Coast, earning critical acclaim for his performances and recordings. He also worked to promote contemporary music, commissioning new works by composers such as William Bergsma, Alan Hovhaness, and Vincent Persichetti. In addition to his work as a conductor, Johnson was also a dedicated music educator. He served as the director of the University of Washington School of Music from 1951 to 1961, where he helped to establish the school as one of the leading music programs in the country. He also served as a guest conductor and lecturer at various universities and music festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Throughout his career, Johnson received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the classical music world. In 1958, he was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award, which recognized his outstanding contributions to American music. He was also awarded the Seattle Arts Commission's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991, in recognition of his contributions to the arts in Seattle. Johnson retired from conducting in 1975, but continued to be active in the music world as a lecturer and guest conductor. He passed away on October 16, 1975, at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential conductors and music educators of his time.

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