William Grant Still
Composer and conductor of Afro-American Symphony
Born
May 11th, 1895
130 years ago
Died
1978
47 years ago — 83 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
An American composer and conductor, recognized for contributions to classical music, particularly in the realm of orchestral compositions. Studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and later worked with notable figures such as Florence Price and George Gershwin. Composed over 150 works, including symphonies, operas, and chamber pieces. Became the first African American to conduct a major symphony orchestra in the United States when he led the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1936. The 'Afro-American Symphony' remains a significant piece within the American classical repertoire, showcasing a blend of African American folk traditions and classical forms.
Composed the 'Afro-American Symphony'
First African American conductor of a major symphony orchestra
Wrote over 150 musical works
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