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Daniel Lewis (conductor)

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Daniel George Lewis(May 10, 1925 – July 7, 2017) was an American orchestral conductor and University Professor Emeritus at theUniversity of Southern California(USC).

Education

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Trained as a violinist, Lewis studied at the Claremont Graduate School (nowClaremont Graduate University) and theHochschule fuer Musik in Munich.He also spent time with theBavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.[1]

Academic positions

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Daniel Lewis arrived at theUSC Thornton School of Musicin 1970. As director of conducting studies and head of the orchestral music program, he helped make the USC Symphony one of the most respected conservatory ensembles in the nation. He was head of the School of Music from 1976 to 1995. In 1984, he became the first faculty member of the 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,principalviola,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 ofSouthwest 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 theNew England Conservatory of Music;University of California, San Diego;California State University, Fullerton;and theColburn School.He taught at theConductors' Institute(New York), theAspen School of Music,and many of the American Symphony Orchestra League's conducting workshops.[1][2]

In 1982, he served withLeonard Bernsteinas artistic co-director of the first season of theLos Angeles Philharmonic Institute,and remained on the faculty for many seasons thereafter.

Orchestral appointments and guest conducting

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From 1971 to 1982, he was Music Director of thePasadena 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 theOjai Music Festival,Music Director of theCabrillo Music Festival,and musical advisor to theGlendale Symphony.He was Associate Conductor of theSan Diego SymphonyunderRobert Shaw[1][2]

Lewis made his debut with theLos Angeles Philharmonicin 1974, and he has guest-conducted that orchestra in more than 30 concerts at theDorothy Chandler Pavilionand theHollywood Bowl.He has also been a guest conductor with theLos Angeles Chamber Orchestra,Minnesota Orchestra,Atlanta Symphony,Seattle Symphony,Louisville Symphony,as well as several other American and European ensembles.[1][2]

Personal life

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Lewis married Oneta Gwendolyn Belsha duringWorld War II.They met while attendingGrossmont High SchoolinEl Cajon, California.They had six children, fifteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Lewis enlisted in the US Navy during World War II and served in the Pacific. After the war, he completed his education atSan Diego State College.Prior to accepting a position atFullerton State College,Lewis taught music atHelix High SchoolinLa Mesa.Its band won many awards in various competitions under his leadership. In addition, he was the founding music director of theSan Diego Civic Youth Orchestra,which rehearsed at the high school and provided an opportunity for very advanced high-school-aged musicians to perform with a group of their peers. He also taught atGrossmont Collegein El Cajon.

In order to provide a better life for his large family in San Diego, Lewis often worked extra jobs at night. He would perform at night in various orchestras such as Starlight Opera and the San Diego ice show. From time to time he also taughtviolinto private students. This enabled the family to maintain a nice 2-story home inSan Diegowith a large yard and plenty of room for six children.[citation needed]

At one time, Lewis was Concertmaster of theSan Diego Symphony.[when?]

In 1959 Lewis received aFulbright Scholarshipto study music inMunich, Germany,where he and his family lived for about 10 months.

References

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  1. ^abcdefghShade, Christine E. (April 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.Archived fromthe originalon March 4, 2016.RetrievedMay 25,2008.
  2. ^abc"Daniel Lewis".The Rowe Boat: Homepage of Yvonne and Norman Rowe.RetrievedMay 25,2008.
  3. ^"About Pasadena Symphony Orchestra".Pasadena Symphony Orchestra MySpace page.Archived fromthe originalon November 14, 2008.Retrieved2008-05-25.
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