David Avshalomov American composer Date of Birth: 06.05.1946 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and Conductorship Studies
3. Return to Academia and Dissertation
4. Career in Los Angeles
5. Focus on Composition
6. Personal Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Jacob Avshalomov was born into a musical family in Portland, Oregon, as the son of composer and conductor Jacob Avshalomov and poet Doris Avshalomov. He inherited his musical talent from his grandfather, Aaron Avshalomov. Avshalomov received his early musical training at Harvard University, where he played timpani in chamber ensembles, sang in the choir, and began composing orchestral and piano music.

Military Service and Conductorship Studies

After graduating from Harvard in 1967, Avshalomov pursued conducting studies at the University of Washington in Seattle. He then served as a timpanist and chorister in the United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C.

Return to Academia and Dissertation

Upon his discharge from the military in 1972, Avshalomov resumed his conducting studies at the University of Washington under Samuel Krachmalnik. He completed his doctorate in 1975, with a dissertation analyzing Arnold Schoenberg's "Five Orchestral Pieces."

Career in Los Angeles

In 1978, Avshalomov moved to Los Angeles. He worked as a conductor for various ensembles and founded his own chamber orchestra, which he directed from 1980 to 1989.

Focus on Composition

From 1989 onward, Avshalomov dedicated himself to composing full-time. His works include orchestral pieces, chamber music, and choral compositions.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1997, Avshalomov and his father visited Moscow, where they recorded several albums of Aaron Avshalomov's works with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra. Avshalomov currently resides in Santa Monica, California. His musical legacy continues through his compositions and the impact he has made on the world of American music.