Adolphus Hailstork

Full biography Adolphus Hailstork

Adolphus Hailstork, born on April 17, 1941 in Rochester, New York, is an American composer and educator. He has had a prolific career spanning several decades and has been recognized as one of America's most accomplished and generous composers. Hailstork continues to influence many young students through his teaching career at the Old Dominion University in Virginia.

Hailstork's musical education began at the Manhattan School of Music and was later continued at the Howard University, where he received a doctorate in music composition. His music is known for its mixture of various styles, including classical, jazz, and ragtime. Hailstork's compositions have been performed by many renowned orchestras and ensembles across the world, including the Detroit, Baltimore, and National symphonies.

One significant aspect of Hailstork's work is his dedication to social justice issues. His work often reflects themes of race, identity, and history. In the wake of the death of George Floyd, Hailstork composed an orchestral work titled "Epitaph for a Man Who Dreamed," which was performed by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. This piece serves as a powerful tribute to George Floyd and the many other victims of racial violence.

Hailstork's contributions to the musical world have been recognized in various ways, including being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia Arts Festival in 2020. He is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, an elite organization that recognizes the most outstanding artists, writers, and composers in America.

Overall, Adolphus Hailstork is a celebrated and influential American composer whose music and dedication to social justice have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music.