James Frazier (conductor) facts for kids
James Frazier (born 1940, died 1985) was an amazing American conductor who led orchestras. He won the Cantelli Award in 1969. This helped him get important jobs conducting music in Europe, the United States, and South America. In the 1970s, he was one of the most successful African American conductors.
Early Life and Musical Journey
James Frazier was born in Detroit. His father worked for the city. When James was just five years old, he started studying music at the Detroit Conservatory of Music.
By the time he was 16, James could conduct large musical pieces from memory. He led choirs and orchestras in churches. Some of the famous works he conducted included Felix Mendelssohn's Elijah and George Frideric Handel's Messiah.
James went to Wayne State University and earned a degree in chemistry. But his love for music continued. In his last year of college, he conducted Elijah again. A famous singer named William Warfield was the soloist. After this performance, people encouraged James to become a professional conductor.
He later attended a music camp in Michigan. There, he was one of four conductors chosen to lead music in public. He then got to conduct for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A famous conductor named Eugene Ormandy encouraged him. James later earned a master's degree in music from the University of Michigan.
Winning Awards and Conducting Around the World
In 1969, James Frazier won the Cantelli Award in Italy. This was a very important award for young conductors. Winning it opened many doors for him.
After winning the award, James conducted many famous orchestras. These included the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the Belarusian State Philharmonic. He received great praise from orchestras in cities like Detroit and Minsk.
By 1975, James Frazier had conducted many top orchestras. These included the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also conducted in London with the New Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. He led the Spanish Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra. Later, he also conducted orchestras in South America.
In 1981, he was named the conductor of the Bogota Symphony.
Composing Music and Special Shows
James Frazier also composed his own music. He wrote a piece called King Requiem. This was a special musical tribute for Martin Luther King Jr.. James conducted its first performance in Detroit on May 9, 1969. William Warfield was the soloist again.
He also wrote a musical called 12th Street: A Soul Opera. This musical told stories about life in his hometown of Detroit. James also created a special TV show called "Soul and Symphony." It was shown on NBC as part of the Special Treat series.
In the 1970s, James Frazier also taught music in public schools in Long Island City.
James Frazier passed away in 1985 at the age of 44. He had been unwell for about a year.
