Role

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Composer  

Birth

:

March 8, 1944 in Troy, NY

Death

:

1993

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Yvar Mikhashoff was a renowned classical music artist who was born on January 8, 1941, in Troy, New York. He was an American pianist, composer, and educator who was known for his virtuosic performances and his dedication to contemporary classical music. Mikhashoff began his musical education at an early age, studying piano with his mother, who was a piano teacher. He later studied at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1963. He continued his studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Master of Music degree in 1965. After completing his studies, Mikhashoff began his career as a concert pianist, performing extensively throughout the United States and Europe. He was known for his innovative programming, which often included works by contemporary composers. He was particularly interested in the music of composers who were not well-known, and he made it his mission to promote their work. One of Mikhashoff's most significant achievements was his project to commission and perform 100 new works for solo piano. He began the project in 1981 and completed it in 1992, commissioning works from composers such as John Cage, George Crumb, and Frederic Rzewski. The project was a major undertaking, and it helped to establish Mikhashoff as a leading figure in contemporary classical music. Mikhashoff's performances were widely acclaimed, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1985, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to continue his work as a performer and composer. He was also awarded the Charles Ives Prize from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters in 1990. In addition to his work as a performer, Mikhashoff was also a respected composer. He wrote works for solo piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra, and his music was performed by many leading musicians and ensembles. He was particularly interested in exploring the possibilities of the piano as an instrument, and his compositions often pushed the boundaries of traditional piano music. Mikhashoff was also a dedicated educator, and he taught at several universities throughout his career. He was a professor of music at the University at Buffalo, where he taught from 1972 until his death in 1993. He was known for his passionate and engaging teaching style, and he inspired many students to pursue careers in music. Throughout his career, Mikhashoff remained committed to promoting contemporary classical music and supporting emerging composers. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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