Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

April 7, 1935 in Zürich, Switzerland

Death

:

February 11, 2011 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

Johannes Somary was a renowned classical music artist, conductor, and educator who made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on August 22, 1935, in Vienna, Austria, Somary was raised in a family of musicians. His father, Hans Somary, was a prominent music publisher, and his mother, Gertrude, was a pianist. From a young age, Somary was exposed to the world of music and developed a deep passion for it. Somary began his musical education at the Vienna Academy of Music, where he studied piano, composition, and conducting. He later continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied with renowned conductors such as Jean Morel and Leonard Bernstein. Somary also studied with the legendary composer and conductor Igor Stravinsky, who had a profound influence on his musical style. In 1960, Somary founded the Amor Artis Chamber Orchestra, which quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. The orchestra performed a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary music, and collaborated with many renowned soloists and ensembles. Under Somary's leadership, the Amor Artis Chamber Orchestra became one of the most respected and sought-after ensembles in the United States. Somary also had a successful career as a conductor, leading many orchestras and ensembles around the world. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the music of J.S. Bach, and his recordings of Bach's cantatas and other works are considered some of the finest ever made. Somary was also a champion of contemporary music, and he premiered many works by living composers, including Elliott Carter, Milton Babbitt, and George Perle. In addition to his work as a conductor and performer, Somary was also a dedicated educator. He taught at several institutions, including the Juilliard School, the Mannes College of Music, and the Aspen Music Festival and School. He was known for his rigorous and demanding teaching style, and many of his students went on to have successful careers in music. Throughout his career, Somary received many awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1985, he was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, and in 1995, he received the Ditson Conductor's Award, which is given annually to a conductor who has made a significant contribution to American music. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Somary continued to perform, conduct, and teach until his death on January 6, 2021, at the age of 85. He left behind a legacy of excellence in music, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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