Kenneth Kiesler

Kenneth Kiesler (born August 18, 1953) is an American sic critic Roger Bouchard said of him, “There do exist symphony orchestra and opera conductor and mentor to great American conductors, and Kiesler is one of them! conductors. Kiesler is conductor laureate of the Illinois Standing on behalf of the music he serves, he conducts Symphony Orchestra where he was music director from from memory with unaffected gestures both precise and 1980 to 2000 and founder and director of the Conduc- passionate. Nothing is unnecessary in his conducting; yet tors Retreat at Medomak.[1] In 2014, Kiesler was nomi- everything is there. Very beautiful work!"[12] nated for a Grammy Award for his recording of Darius [2] Kiesler is the conductor of many acclaimed recordings on Milhaud’s opera L’Orestie d’Eschyle. He is Director of the Naxos, Dorian, Equilibrium and Pierian labels; with Orchestras and Professor of Conducting at the University [3] the BBC Singers in London, Third Angle New Music En- of Michigan. semble, and both the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theatre.[13] Kiesler was nominated for a Grammy for his recording of ’s opera 1 Early life & Education L’Orestie d’Eschyle which was nominated for Best Opera Recording in 2014.[2] This is the first recording of Mil- haud’s complete Orestiean Trilogy of Aeschylus based on Kenneth Kiesler was born in . His father, a libretto of Paul Claudel.[14] Harry Isiah Kiesler, was of Polish/Austrian descent and his mother, Rose Segal Kiesler, was of French and Ger- Kiesler has conducted many of the world’s lead- man descent.[4] He studied music from an early age; he ing ensembles including the Symphony Or- played trumpet, sang in choruses and, at age 15, Kiesler chestra, Washington’s National Symphony Orchestra, conducted his first concert, ’s Ceremony Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orches- of Carols when the director took ill prior to the concert.[5] tra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Kiesler graduated from Nanuet High School in 1971. Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Paris, Jerusalem Symphony Or- Kiesler studied music at the University of New Hamp- chestra and Haifa Symphony Orchestra in Israel, Osaka shire where he received the Bachelor of Music cum Philharmonic Orchestra in Japan, Daejeon Philharmonic laude in conducting and music history in 1975.[6] He Orchestra and Pusan Symphony Orchestra in Korea, Zhe- received his master’s degree in orchestra conducting in jiang Symphony Orchestra in China, New Symphony Or- 1980 from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Johns chestra in Bulgaria, Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra in Hopkins University.[7] At age 19, he conducted the first Mexico, OSESP in São Paulo, Brazil, Puerto Rico Sym- performance of Gershwin's original jazz-band score of phony Orchestra in San Juan, Albany Symphony Orches- since 1925, with permission of Ira tra, Florida Symphony Orchestra, Fresno Philharmonic Gershwin and Warner Brothers Music, which garnered Orchestra, Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, Long Is- national attention.[8] Kiesler was recipient of a conducting land Philharmonic Orchestra, Memphis Symphony Or- fellowship at the Aspen Music School[8] and his teachers chestra, New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra, Omaha and mentors have included Fiora Contino, Julius Herford, Symphony Orchestra, Portland Symphony Orchestra, John Nelson,[8] Erich Leinsdorf, James Wimer, and Carlo Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony Or- Maria Giulini.[4] chestra.[3] He has conducted at the Aspen, Atlantic, Kiesler was a participant in the League of American Or- Breckenridge, Meadowbrook, Sewanee and Skaneateles chestras’ 1990 American Conductors music festivals.[3] Program with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kenneth Kiesler served as music director of the Illinois Kennedy Center[9] and the 1991 Carnegie Hall Cente- Symphony Orchestra from 1980 to 2000, during which nary conducting class with and L’Ensemble time he founded the Illinois Symphony Chorus, the Illi- InterContemporain.[10] nois Chamber Orchestra, and led debuts at Lincoln Cen- ter and Carnegie Hall.[3] He was also assistant conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra from 1980 to 2 Career 1983,[5] music director and conductor of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra from 1984 to 1988 and principal A prominent conductor, Kiesler is also a sought-after conductor of the Saint Cecilia Orchestra from 1992 to [15] mentor and teacher to conductors.[11] The French mu- 1995. From 2002 to 2007 Kiesler was music director

1 2 3 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

of the New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra.[16] Moscow, Rome, São Paulo and Salt Lake City.[3] Kiesler has conducted Britten's Peter Grimes, Rossini’s Il Kiesler’s conducting students have won prizes in the Turco in Italia at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Orff’s Donatella Flick London Symphony Conducting Com- Carmina Burana at Syracuse Opera and Bright Sheng’s petition (Elim Chan),[22] Nikolai Malko Conducting The Silver River in Singapore[12] as well as operas of Competition (Mei-Ann Chen),[23] Maazel-Vilar Con- Menotti, Mozart, Puccini, Ravel, Stravinsky and Verdi ducting Competition (Joana Carneiro, Bundit Un- among others.[12] grangsee),[24] Eduardo Mata Conducting Competition [25] Kiesler’s advocacy for new music and living composers (Yaniv Dinur), and hold positions with orchestras, has included conducting more than 15 world and Amer- opera companies and educational institutions worldwide. ican premieres[3] by composers James Aikman, Leslie Kiesler is the founder and director of the Conductors Re- Bassett, Paul Brantley, Evan Chambers, Sven Daigger, treat at Medomak,[1] an annual, intensive program which Gabriella Lena Frank, Aharon Harlap, James P. Johnson, develops conductors’ artistic sensibilities and technical Ben Johnston, Vítězslava Kaprálová,[17] Kristin Kuster, skills, as well as personal attributes and leadership ca- Stephen Rush, Gunther Schuller and .[3] pacity. It takes place at the site of the historic Medo- His notable premieres and new music performances in- mak camp in Maine, where Kiesler himself spent many clude conducting the 1990 world premiere in Illinois and formative summers in his youth.[11] Since 1997 the Con- the New York premiere at Carnegie Hall of Gunther ductors Retreat at Medomak has attracted conductors Schuller’s Concerto for 2 Pianos, 3 Hands, which was from around the world for instruction in conducting, score written for pianists Lorin Hollander and Leon Fleisher, study, aural skills and physical expression.[26] and performed with the Illinois Chamber Orchestra.[18] Kiesler conducted the U.S. Premiere of Mendelssohn's Third Piano Concerto with pianist Anton Nel in 1997.[6] 3 Awards and recognitions In 2002, he premiered the score reconstruction by James Dapogny of the opera De Organizer by James P. John- son and Langston Hughes which was the first perfor- Kiesler has been awarded: mance since 1940.[19] In 2006, he also conducted the world premiere of Johnson’s The Dreamy Kid; libretto • 2014 — Grammy nomination for his recording of by Eugene O'Neill.[19] Kiesler conducted the world pre- Milhaud’s L'Orestie d'Eschyle with the University of miere of The Old Burying Ground a song cycle for so- Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensem- prano, tenor, folksinger and orchestra by Evan Chambers ble, Choirs and Soloists released by Naxos[2] in 2007, which was subsequently recorded in 2008.[20] • 2011 — The American Prize in Orchestral Performance/Conducting[27] 2.1 Teacher • 2000 — State of Illinois General Assembly Legisla- tion (Proclamation)[28] Since 1995, Kiesler has been professor of conducting and director of orchestras at the University of Michigan • 1988 — Helen M. Thompson Award, presented by [1] School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He is a sought af- the American Symphony Orchestra League to the [21] ter teacher and mentor of conductors internationally. outstanding American music director under the age Kiesler has been director of conducting programs of of 35[29] International Masterclasses Berlin since 2012.[3] From 2006 to 2012, he was the Director of the Conductors Pro- • 1987 — Mayor’s Award for the Arts, Springfield, gramme of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra.[12] Illinois[30] He was Director of the Vendome International Academy of Orchestral Conducting in Paris and Vendôme France • 1987 — Governor’s Arts Award, Illinois[30] from 2006 to 2010.[12] Kiesler directed the orchestras while serving as visiting artist and advisor in orchestral • 1986 — Silver Medal, Stokowski Competition[31] studies at the Manhattan School of Music from 2006 to [12] 2010. Books Kiesler has led many conducting master classes in Kiesler contributed to the content in: the United States and internationally, including for the League of American Orchestras, the Conductors’ Guild, • the Minister of Culture of Mexico, Philharmonisches Saler, Thomas D. (2010). Serving genius : Carlo Kammer Orchester Berlin and the Deutsches Musikrat in Maria Giulini. Urbana: University of Illinois Press. Germany,[13] as well as at the Royal Academy of Music ISBN 9780252035029. in London, Oxford University, the Waterville Valley Mu- sic Center and in the cities of Chicago, Houston, Leipzig, He is also included and referenced in: 3

• Sherman, photographs by Steve J. Sherman ; artist 6 References interviews by Robert (2010). Leonard Bernstein at work : his final years, 1984-1990. Milwaukee, WI: [1] “An Interview with Kenneth Kiesler”. Milken Archive of Amadeus Press. ISBN 1574671901. Jewish Music. Retrieved 2015-09-22.

[2] “57th Annual Grammy Awards Winners & Nominees”. • Wagar, interviews with Jeannine (1991). Conduc- Grammy.com. Retrieved 2015-09-23. tors in conversation : fifteen contemporary conduc- tors discuss their lives and profession. Boston, MA: [3] “Kenneth Kiesler, Bios, Pictures, Albums – Naxos Clas- G.K. Hall. ISBN 081618996X. sical Music”. Naxos Records. Retrieved 2015-09-24. [4] “Kenneth Kiesler”. Los Angeles Conducting Workshop. • Ho, Allan B.; Feofanov, Dmitry (2006). Retrieved 2015-09-26. Shostakovich reconsidered (Paperback ed.). [5] Brown, Steven (January 20, 1993). “The London: Toccata press. ISBN 978-0907689577. FSO Search Kiesler Led Springfield Growth”. (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-01-20/lifestyle/ 9301190297_1_orchestra-kiesler-symphony). Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2015-09-26. External link in |work= 4 Personal life (help)

[6] “Making music with Kenneth Kiesler”. New Hampshire Kiesler is the father of three children, Laura, Adam Business Review. November 14, 2003. Retrieved 2015- and Aliyah.[32] He currently resides in Ann Arbor, 09-23. Michigan.[4] [7] “The Johns Hopkins University Commencement 1980”. Internet Archive. The Johns Hopkins University. Re- trieved 2015-10-19.

5 Selected discography [8] Goodfellow, William (December 1, 1996). “Kiesler Sees Symphony as Orchestra with a Future”. Deseret News. Retrieved 2015-09-24. Levy: Shir Shel Moshe (Song of Moses) / BBC Singers, Kiesler, Naxos (2004) [9] Carrington, Mark (June 16, 1990). “NSO 3 Young Con- Bolcom, Bassett, Daugherty: Concertos / Kiesler, Et Al, ductors”. The Washington Post. Retrieved 2015-10-20. Equilibrium (2004) [10] Schwarz, K. Robert (February 17, 1991). “Classical Mu- Ben-Amots: Celestial Dialogues / Hashkivenu, Milken sic; A Mellowed Polemicist Retains His Edge”. The New Archive, Naxos (2004) York Times. Retrieved 2015-09-26. Ellstein: The Gollum (Scenes), Jewish Operas, Vol. 1, [11] Schiff, David. “Conducting: A Backwoods Guide” (April, Milken Archive, Naxos (2004) 2002). The Atlantic. Retrieved 2015-09-24. Amram: Shir L'erev Shabbat / The Final Ingredient, [12] “Faculty/Staff Kenneth Kiesler”. School of Music, Theatre Milken Archive, Naxos (2004) & Dance. University of Michigan. Retrieved 2015-09-26.

Schoenfield: The Merchant and the Pauper, Milken [13] “Kenneth Kiesler: Conductor and Mentor of Conductors”. Archive, Naxos (2004) International Masterclasses Berlin. Retrieved 2015-10-19.

Weinberg: Shabbat Ba'aretz, Milken Archive, Naxos [14] Clements, Andrew (August 27, 2014). “Milhaud: (2005) L'Orestie d'Eschyle review – an operatic curiosity worth Schiff: Gimpel the Fool (Scenes), Jewish Operas, Vol. 2, investigating”. The Guardian. Retrieved 2015-09-22. Milken Archive, Naxos (2006) [15] Kozinn, Allan (February 4, 1995). “Albany Orchestra Schiff: Gimpel the Fool (Complete) Third Angle, Naxos Visits Its Big-City Cousins”. The New York Times. Re- (2007) trieved 2015-09-26. Evan Chambers: The Old Burying Ground / Kiesler, Uni- [16] “Making music with Kenneth Kiesler”. New Hampshire versity of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Dorian Sono Business Review. November 14, 2003. Retrieved 2015- Luminus (2010) 09-23. Nissman plays Ginastera: The Three Piano Concertos, [17] “The Centenary Year”. The Kapralova Society. Retrieved Pierian (2013) 2015-10-19.

Milhaud: L’Orestie d'Eschyle, University of Michigan [18] Pincus, Andrew (January 21, 1990). “Music; Two Pianos, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble and Choirs, Three Hands and One Composer”. The New York Times. Naxos (2014) Retrieved 2015-10-19. 4 7 EXTERNAL LINKS

[19] Harewood, G.H.H.L.E. (2006). “Opera”. The University of Michigan, Rolls House Publishing Company. 57 (7-12): 1216–1217. Retrieved 2015-09-26.

[20] “Michigan Muse” (Number v. 1-2). UM Libraries. Uni- versity of Michigan. School of Music, Theatre & Dance. 2006. p. 9. Retrieved 2015-09-27.

[21] “Kenneth Kiesler”. AllMusic. Retrieved 2015-10-20.

[22] Tilden, Imogen (December 9, 2014). “Elim Chan wins 2014 Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition”. The Guardian. Retrieved 2015-10-20.

[23] Music at Michigan (v. 37-39 ed.). University of Michigan, School of Music. 2003. p. 14. Retrieved 2015-10-22.

[24] Blumenthal, Ralph (September 30, 2002). “And Then There Were Two; Prize Is Shared in Conductors’ Com- petition”. The New York Times. Retrieved 2015-10-22.

[25] “Rebecca Miller Wins First prize in The Eduardo Mata International Conducting Competition”. Classical Source. classicalsource.com. Retrieved 2015-10-22.

[26] “Conducting”. Conductors Retreat at Medomak. Re- trieved 2015-09-26.

[27] “Winner in Orchestral Performance/Conducting”. The American Prize: celebrating American excellence in the arts. Retrieved 2015-09-10.

[28] “House of Representatives Journal, Ninety-first General Assembly”. State of Illinois House Journal. No. 121. April 12, 2000. Retrieved 2015-10-23.

[29] Henken, John (January 14, 1989). “Kiesler Tries Out His Baton at Long Beach”. The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2015-09-23.

[30] “Governor’s Awards Slated”. The State Journal-Register. November 12, 1987. Retrieved 2015-10-20.

[31] Emblen, Frank (September 7, 1986). “Mr. Kiesler, win- ner of the 1986 Leopold Stokowski Conducting Compe- tition” (New Jersey Guide). The New York Times. Re- trieved 2015-09-26.

[32] “Rose Segal Kiesler – obituary”. The New York Times. February 27, 2007. Retrieved 2015-09-26.

7 External links

• Kenneth Kiesler Official Website

• Discography at Naxos • Conductors Retreat at Medomak

• Kenneth Kiesler at University of Michigan 5

8 Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

8.1 Text

• Kenneth Kiesler Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Kiesler?oldid=769224786 Contributors: Xezbeth, MatthewVanitas, Yobot, SwisterTwister, Primefac, BG19bot, BattyBot, Amaranthine Muse, Sam Sailor, DissidentAggressor, KasparBot, Bender the Bot and Anonymous: 2

8.2 Images

8.3 Content license

• Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0