Jacob Avshalomov

Full biography Jacob Avshalomov

Jacob Avshalomov (March 28 , 1919 – April 25, 2013) was an American composer and conductor of Russian-Jewish descent. He was born in China, where his father Aaron Avshalomov, also a composer, was working at the time. Avshalomov studied music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and later at the University of Oregon. He also studied composition with Ernst Krenek and Paul Hindemith.

Avshalomov is best known for his compositions that combine Western classical music with Chinese and other Asian musical traditions. His works include symphonies, operas, chamber music, and choral music. Notable compositions include "The Oregon Symphony," which commemorates the state of Oregon, and his operas "The Widow's Lantern" and "Ko'olau."

In addition to his career as a composer, Avshalomov was also a conductor. He conducted the Portland Youth Philharmonic from 1954 to 1995, and was a guest conductor with numerous other orchestras throughout the US and Asia.

Avshalomov was also a writer. He wrote a book about his family's musical heritage, "Avshalomovs' Winding Way: Composers out of China," and his son David is also a composer and conductor, while his son Daniel is a violinist.

Overall, Jacob Avshalomov was a highly respected composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of music, particularly in combining Western classical music with traditional Asian musical traditions.