Daniel Lewis (conductor)

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Daniel Lewis is an American orchestral conductor and pedagogue. He is a University Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California (USC).

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[edit] Education

Trained as a violinist, Lewis studied at the Claremont Graduate School and the Hochschule fuer Musik in Munich. He also spent time with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.[1]

[edit] Academic positions

He is best known for his tenure at the USC Thornton School of Music where he headed the orchestra and conducting programs for twenty-five years (1976-1995). In 1984, he became the first faculty member of the USC School of Music to receive the title of University Professor.[1] Some notable quotes regarding his teaching style:

  • "He demands a kind of intensity with his orchestra. With Daniel Lewis, it was an event just to go to rehearsal. He has a genuine love for music and the ability to transfer those feelings in a way that inspires those who are making the sounds." (Cynthia Phelps, principal viola, New York Philharmonic)[1]
  • "He instills a discipline in his students. You're either ready or you're out" (Amy Sims, concertmaster, Omaha Symphony, former member of Southwest Chamber Music)[1]
  • "I'm not trying to create a battle or victory over them. I just want them to live up to what their potential is." (Daniel Lewis)[1]

He has also held academic positions at the New England Conservatory of Music; University of California, San Diego; California State University, Fullerton; and the Colburn School. He has also taught at the Conductors’ Institute (New York), the Aspen School of Music , and many of the American Symphony Orchestra League’s conducting workshops. [1][2]

In 1982, he served with Leonard Bernstein as artistic co-director of the first season of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, and remained on the faculty for many seasons thereafter.

[edit] Orchestral appointments and guest conducting

From 1971 to 1982, he was Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony. Under Lewis' leadership, the orchestra became fully professional, winning critical acclaim and five ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) awards for adventuresome programming.[3]

He has twice served as Music Director of the Ojai Music Festival, Music Director of the Cabrillo Music Festival, and he has also served as musical advisor to the Glendale Symphony. He was Associate Conductor of the San Diego Symphony under Robert Shaw[1][2]

Lewis made his debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1974, and he has guest conducted that orchestra in more than 30 concerts at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Hollywood Bowl. He has also been a guest conductor with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Louisville Symphony, as well as several other American and European ensembles.[1][2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Shade, Christine E. (04/17/1995). The perfect cadence: After 25 years at the podium with the USC Symphony, director Daniel Lewis takes his final bow. USC Public Relations website. Retrieved on 25-May-2008.
  2. ^ a b c Daniel Lewis. The Rowe Boat: Homepage of Yvonne and Norman Rowe. Retrieved on 25-May-2008.
  3. ^ About Pasadena Symphony Orchestra. Pasadena Symphony Orchestra MySpace page. Retrieved on 25-May-2008.

[edit] External Links