George Walker (composer)

American classical composer (1922–2018)

George Theophilus Walker (June 27, 1922 – August 23, 2018) was an African-American composer, educator and autobiographer. He was the first to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.[1] He received the Pulitzer for his work Lilacs in 1996.[2][3]

George Walker
Walker, holding the score, in 1968
Born
George Theophilus Walker

(1922-06-27)June 27, 1922
DiedAugust 23, 2018(2018-08-23) (aged 96)
Alma materOberlin College
Occupation(s)Composer, educator, autobiographer
Years active1940s – 2012
AwardsPulitzer Prize for Music (1996)

Early life change

Walker was born in Washington, D.C..[4] He studied at Oberlin College.

Career change

Walker taught music at Columbia University, Wayne State University, Wellesley College, Temple University, Washington University in St. Louis, Williams College and Montclair State University.[5]

In 1946, Walker composed his String Quartet no. 1. A string orchestra arrangement of the second movement of that work received its world premiere in a radio broadcast that was conducted by pianist Seymour Lipkin.

Walker was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1999.[6] The following year, Walker was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry proclaimed June 17, 1997 as “George Walker Day”.[7] in the nation's capitol.

His autobiography, "Reminiscences of an American Composer and Pianist", was released in 2009 by Scarecrow Press.[8]

Personal life change

Walker was the father of two sons, violinist and composer Gregory T.S. Walker,[9] and playwright Ian Walker.

Walker died on August 23, 2018 from a fall at a hospital in Montclair, New Jersey at the age of 96.[10]

References change

  1. "The Pulitzer Prizes". Pulitzer.org. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  2. De Lerma, Dominique-Rene. "African Heritage Symphonic Series". Liner note essay. Cedille Records CDR061.
  3. Walker, George (2009) Reminiscences of an American Composer and Pianist, Scarecrow Press, p. 153
  4. "Walker, George Theophilus (1922- ) – The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed". Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  5. Siberz, Heidi. "George Theophilus Walker: February's Contemporary Composer". Indiana Public Media. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  6. "American Academy of Arts and Letters – Current Members". Artsandletters.org. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  7. "George Walker: Prominent Composer & Washingtonian Grew Up on Sherman Avenue". Park View, D.C. December 24, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  8. George Walker. "Reminiscences of an American Composer and Pianist, By George Walker, 9780810869400 | Rowman & Littlefield". Rowman.com. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  9. Walker, George (2009) Reminiscences of an American Composer and Pianist, Scarecrow Press, p. 156
  10. George Walker, Trailblazing American Composer, Dies At 96

Other websites change