Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

Everett Firth was born on August 22, 1943, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in a musical family, with his father playing the trumpet and his mother playing the piano. Firth began playing the drums at the age of 10 and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Firth attended the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with legendary percussionist Vic Firth (no relation). After graduating, he joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as a percussionist, a position he held for 36 years. During his time with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Firth became known for his virtuosic performances and his ability to play a wide range of percussion instruments. He was particularly skilled at playing the marimba, a large xylophone-like instrument that requires a high degree of technical proficiency. Firth also became a sought-after soloist and chamber musician, performing with some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles. He made numerous recordings, including several solo albums, and was widely regarded as one of the finest percussionists of his generation. One of Firth's most memorable performances came in 1986, when he performed the world premiere of John Williams' "Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra" with the Boston Pops Orchestra. The concerto was written specifically for Firth, and he received critical acclaim for his performance. Firth was also a dedicated teacher, and he taught at several prestigious music schools, including the New England Conservatory of Music and the Tanglewood Music Center. He was known for his patient and supportive teaching style, and many of his students went on to successful careers as percussionists. In recognition of his contributions to the world of classical music, Firth received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was a recipient of the Percussive Arts Society's Lifetime Achievement Award, and he was inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame in 2008. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the New England Conservatory of Music in 2010. Firth retired from the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2009, but he continued to perform and teach until his death on January 20, 2016, at the age of 72. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest percussionists of all time, and his influence can still be felt in the world of classical music today.

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