Samuel Adler
Samuel Adler , born on March 4, 1928, in Mannheim, Germany, is a distinguished composer and educator whose life and work extend far beyond the realm of music. Emigrating to the United States in 1939, Adler, a survivor of Kristallnacht, has become a towering figure in contemporary classical music and a beacon of resilience and creativity. He has composed over 400 published works, including operas, symphonies, concerti, oratorios, and choral pieces, performed globally. His books, such as The...See more
Samuel Adler , born on March 4, 1928, in Mannheim, Germany, is a distinguished composer and educator whose life and work extend far beyond the realm of music. Emigrating to the United States in 1939, Adler, a survivor of Kristallnacht, has become a towering figure in contemporary classical music and a beacon of resilience and creativity. He has composed over 400 published works, including operas, symphonies, concerti, oratorios, and choral pieces, performed globally. His books, such as The Study of Orchestration, are essential texts in music education. Educated at Boston University and Harvard, Adler studied under legendary figures like Aaron Copland and Paul Hindemith and holds honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions. At the Eastman School of Music, he taught from 1966 to 1995, profoundly shaping generations of composers and continued his teaching legacy at the Juilliard School from 1997 to 2017. Adler's impact reaches far beyond music. As a Jewish immigrant, his life and work have bridged two centuries and multiple cultures. He has been honored with numerous awards, including induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His contributions to music have earned him prestigious commissions and accolades, such as the ASCAP Aaron Copland Award for Lifetime Achievement. Adler has conducted major orchestras worldwide and his friendships and collaborations with influential artists and thinkers have bridged cultures and eras. His extraordinary journey from a Kristallnacht survivor to a globally celebrated composer and educator embodies the profound impact of art on society. His work continues to inspire and educate, highlighting the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries and connect humanity. See less