Thor Martin Johnson American conductor Date of Birth: 10.06.1916 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and Early Career
3. Notable Performances
4. Later Career
5. Awards and Recognition

Early Life and Education

Albert Ernest Johnsonwas born into a musical family in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied music and conducting.

Military Service and Early Career

During World War II, Johnson served in the United States Army. Upon his discharge, he became the Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 1947 to 1958. Under his leadership, the orchestra emerged as a prominent interpreter of new American music, premiering approximately 120 new works.

Notable Performances

In 1951, Johnson led the American premiere of Arnold Schoenberg's "Gurrelieder." He also visited Finland that year to meet with composer Jean Sibelius, resulting in the Cincinnati Orchestra's recording of Sibelius's "Origin of Fire" with the Helsinki University Chorus.

Johnson's exploration of Finnish music also led him to discover the work of the young composer Heikki Suolamäki, who had died tragically. He recorded Suolamäki's "Little Symphony" and prepared its American edition.

Later Career

In the 1960s, Johnson held faculty and conducting positions at Northwestern University and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. From 1967 until his death, he served as the Music Director of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

Awards and Recognition

Albert Ernest Johnson received the prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award in 1949. His contributions to the world of classical music continue to be remembered and celebrated.