Leon Barzin
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Leon Eugene Barzin was a Belgian-born American conductor and founder of the National Orchestral Association (NOA), the first training orchestra in America. He also served as the founding musical director of the New York City Ballet.
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[edit] Biography
Leon E. Barzin was born in Brussels, Belgium on November 27, 1900, the son of Marie and Leon Barzin. His father, Leon, was a noted violist and his mother, Marie, a professional ballerina. His parents emigrated to the United States soon after he was born and started him in his musical training at the age of 5. By 1920 Leon attained his first professional musical position as second violin in the National Symphony under Artur Bodanzky and subsequently achieved principal viola under Willem Mengelberg at the New York Philharmonic.
By 1926 he was playing in the New York Philharmonic under Arturo Toscanini who saw Leon's potential and encouraged him to become a conductor. He also studied with Ysaye and Lilienthal. In 1928 he joined the American Orchestral Society and in 1929 took over as associate conductor for the ailing Chalmers Clifton.
1930 turned out to be a critical year in his career as he founded the The National Orchestral Association with funding from Mary Flagler Cary and from 1938–1941 he also served as the musical director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
In 1945 he launched an NOA program called "Adventure in Ballet" with Lincoln Kirstein and George Balanchine and not long after, the three joined forces to create The New York City Ballet.
From 1955 until his death he lived primarily in Paris and Vaux-sur-Seine, France, guest conducting and teaching his technique to a long succession of students.
Leon Barzin married four times and had two sons, Richard and Leon Q. and one daughter, Lora (Childs). He remained vibrant and energetic late into his 90's and continued teaching conducting right up until his death. He died in Naples Florida on April 19th 1999.
[edit] Impact on American Music
Leon E. Barzin trained generations of American musicians in technique and repertoire and through the NOA helped many young American musicians land positions in professional orchestras. He worked particularly hard to break down prejudices against women and people of color, focusing entirely on musicianship for positions in the NOA.
[edit] Notable Performances
Conducted concerts with soloists including Emanuel Feuermann (Cello), Ossip Gabrilowitsch (Piano), Mischa Elman (violin), Myra Hess, Rudolf Serkin (piano), Artie Shaw (Clarinet). He also developed radio programs on WNYC and WQXR and guest conducted the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the NBC Symphony Orchestra.
[edit] Interesting Facts
- Leon and his father, Leon Sr. played together in the same orchestra at various points in their careers.
- Leon's fourth marriage was to Eleanor Post Close, daughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post
- He was awarded the French Légion d'honneur for his work with musicians and music in France.
[edit] Video/Discography
- DVD Video - Leon Barzin and The National Orchestral Association copyright 2004 The National Orchestral Association 110 minutes
- Bizet: ROMA (Ballet), Chabrier: Bourée Fantastique (Ballet) - New York City Ballet Orchestra - Vox PL9320 (LP: 33 1/3 Record)
- Mozart: Haffner Symphony (No. 35 in D Major, Berlioz: The Waverley Overture and three exerpts from the Damnation of Faust - Orchestra drawn from the alumni of the National Orchestral Association - Columbia Masterworks ML5176 (LP: 33 1/3 Record)
- Nathan Milstein: Mendelssohn Concerto in E minor, Bruch Conerto no. 1 in G Minor - Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Leon Barzin - Capitol Records P8518 ((LP: 33 1/3 Record)
