Role

:

Conductor  

Birth

:

June 25, 1925

Death

:

April 4, 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, FL

 

Marilyn Mason is a renowned American classical organist, born on April 21, 1925, in the city of Detroit, Michigan. She is widely recognized for her exceptional talent and contributions to the world of classical music, particularly in the field of organ performance. Her career spanned over six decades, during which she established herself as one of the most prominent and influential organists of her time. Mason's interest in music began at an early age, and she started playing the piano when she was just five years old. She later switched to the organ, which became her primary instrument. She received her early musical training at the Detroit Institute of Musical Arts, where she studied under the tutelage of renowned organist and composer T. Tertius Noble. She continued her studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in 1946. After completing her studies, Mason embarked on a successful career as a concert organist, performing extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She made her debut at the age of 23, performing at the prestigious Town Hall in New York City. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she quickly gained a reputation as a rising star in the world of classical music. Throughout her career, Mason performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Festival Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. She also performed with some of the most renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Mason was known for her exceptional technical skill and her ability to bring out the full range of expression and emotion in her performances. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of the works of J.S. Bach, and she was widely regarded as one of the foremost Bach interpreters of her time. In addition to her performances, Mason was also a dedicated teacher and mentor to many young musicians. She served as a professor of organ at the University of Michigan for over 50 years, where she inspired and influenced generations of students. Many of her former students have gone on to successful careers as organists and music educators. Mason's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush in 2008, in recognition of her lifetime of achievement and contributions to the arts. She was also the recipient of the American Guild of Organists' highest honor, the AGO Distinguished Artist Award, in 1998. Mason continued to perform and teach well into her 80s, and she remained an active and influential figure in the world of classical music until her death on April 4, 2019, at the age of 93. Her legacy lives on through her recordings, her students, and the countless musicians and music lovers who were inspired by her talent and dedication to the art of organ performance.

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