William Schimmel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Schimmel is one of the principal architects in the resurgence of the accordion, the revival of the Tango in America, and the philosophy of "Musical Reality" (composition with pre-existing music). He holds Bachelor of Music, Master of Science and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the Juilliard School and a diploma from the Neupauer Conservatory of Music. He is a prolific composer with nearly 4000 works in many mediums including opera, Broadway, off-Broadway, solo, and chamber music. He performs music in many genres, has written a number of books and articles, and has made numerous recordings and videos.
He is best known for his recordings with The Tango Project, which also appear in the film Scent of a Woman, as well as performances in True Lies, Mr. & Mrs. Smith (trailer), Sex and the City, Real Sex, and Sesame Street. He has performed with major symphony orchestras, chamber groups, avant-garde groups, and rock bands. His work with Tom Waits is notable, as well as other greats such as Sting and the late Leopold Stokowski (who has conducted Schimmel's music). He conducts a yearly three day Master Class and Concert Series (The Seminars), dedicated to the exploration and establishment of an accordion culture, which is in its eleventh season.
He is married to dancer, choreographer, director and filmmaker, Micki Goodman. Together they founded the Institute for Private Studies, a pluralistic vision think tank. They have one son, Michael, age 25, a visual artist with down syndrome.
