William Schimmel

William Schimmel (born 1946) is one of the principal architects in the resurgence of the accordion, and the philosophy of "Musical Reality" (composition with pre-existing music).^[1] He holds Bachelor of Music, Master of Science and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in composition from the Juilliard School, along with a diploma from the Neupauer Conservatory of Music in performance/composition.^[1] He performs music in many genres, has commissioned and premiered hundreds of new works, has written a number of books and articles and has made numerous recordings and videos. His music has been featured in a number of films and television shows.

Awards

He received a Composers' Citation from The American Accordionists' Association in honor of his composition, "The Spring Street Ritual", which was the test piece for the 1979 Coupe Mondiale World Competition. He received The Confederations Internationale Association Merit Award for his contributions as a composer, performer and philosopher on the international accordion scene. He received a Merit Award from the American Accordionists' Association for his contributions spanning fifty years plus the "Accordionist of the Year" Award in 1988. He received the Keyboard magazine readers' poll award in 1992 as "Best Accordionist". He has served and continues to serve as Artist in Residence of The American Accordionist's where he also serves as Distinguished Lecturer in Residence and member of the Governing Board. National Public Radio called Schimmel the world's greatest accordionist. Schimmel won the Stereo Review Album of the year award, and was nominated for a Grammy award.

Performances

He has performed with many major symphony orchestras in the U.S, many different chamber groups, as well as with rock, jazz, and avant-garde groups. In addition, he has appeared on numerous radio programs as a guest performer and commentator, and now hosts his own internet radio show, The Old In and Out, on WS Accordion Radio.

Academic work

Schimmel conducts a yearly three day Master Class and Concert Series (The Seminars) sponsored by the American Accordionists' Association,^[1] dedicated to the exploration and establishment of an accordion culture, which is in its seventeenth season.He has served on the faculties of numerous colleges including The Juilliard School, and New York University.

He is known as an authority of the music of Kurt Weill and has recorded all of Weill's music which includes the accordion.

Personal Life

He is married to dancer, choreographer, director and filmmaker, Micki Goodman. Together they founded the Studio Muse Dance/Music/Theatre Troup and produced concerts in the New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia area. They have one son who is a visual artist.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Kozinn, Allan (27 August 2004). "Accordionist On a Mission In the Age Of Guitars". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/27/movies/accordionist-on-a-mission-in-the-age-of-guitars.html. Retrieved 13 June 2011. 

External links

• Schimmel's official website

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Name	Schimmel, William
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Date of birth	1946
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