Daniel Lewis (conductor)
Daniel George Lewis (born 1924) is an American orchestral conductor and pedagogue. He is a University Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California (USC).
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]
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.
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]
Personal Life
Daniel George Lewis has six children, all with Oneta G. Lewis: Daniel I. Lewis, Stephen J. Lewis, Lawrence D. Lewis, Ralph C. Lewis, Paul G. Lewis, and Denise M. Lewis. He has fifteen grandchildren (Daniel Gregory Lewis, Deborah M. Lewis, Gregory M. Lewis, Larua Lee Lewis, Jeffrey Lee Lewis, Marie Lewis, Michael Lewis, Stephen Lewis, Kendall Lewis, Matthew Lewis, Jennifer Lewis, Bryan Lewis, Christopher Lewis, Jessica Lewis, and Rachel) and six great grandchildren (Amanda Fairchild, Matthew Fairchild, Terry Fairchild, Aleya Lewis, Milana Lewis, and Kit Lewis). All of Daniel's children and grandchildren graduated from college or are currently attending college.
He was married for many years to Oneta Gwendolyn Lewis (maiden name Belsha). Daniel has family in Flagstaff Arizona and Oneta has family in Phoenix Arizona, but Daniel and Oneta did not meet until both families moved to California. They met while attending high school at Grossmont High School in El Cajon California.
Daniel enlisted in the US Navy during World War II and served in the Pacific. Daniel and Oneta were married during the war. Their oldest child, Daniel I. Lewis, was born in Los Angeles California and their other five children were born while they were living in San Diego California. Later, the family moved to Placentia California and then to Altadena and Pasadena California. The move to Placentia occurred when Daniel accepted a position at Fullerton State College and the moves to Altadena and Pasadena occurred when Daniel became a professor at USC.
Prior to accepting a position at Fullerton State College, Daniel taught music at Helix High School in La Mesa California. At Helix he taught both the orchestra and the marching band. The band won many awards in various competitions under Daniel's leadership. He also taught at Grossmont College in El Cajon California. In order to provide a better life for his large family in San Diego, Daniel often worked extra jobs at night. While teaching high school, Daniel would perform at night in various orchestras such as Starlight Opera and the San Diego ice show. From time to time he also taught violin to private students. This enabled the famiy to maintain a large 2-story home in San Diego with a large yard and plenty of room for six children.
At one time, Daniel was Concertmaster of the San Diego Symphony.
Daniel enjoys hiking in the hills and mountains of Southern California. From time to time he would wear a "pith helmet" during his hikes to amuse his children.
During 1959-1960 he received a Fullbright Scholarship to study music in Munich Germany. His wife (Oneta) and his six children relocated to Munich for approximately 10 months at that time. They made a number of trips together throughout Bavaria and also visited Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
References
- ^ 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 25-May-2008.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ a b c "Daniel Lewis". The Rowe Boat: Homepage of Yvonne and Norman Rowe. Retrieved 25-May-2008.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "About Pasadena Symphony Orchestra". Pasadena Symphony Orchestra MySpace page. Retrieved 25-May-2008.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help)
External Links
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