David Avshalomov is a third generation classical composer, vocalist, and conductor. David is the son of Jacob Avshalomov and grandson of Aaron Avshalomov who were both distinguished classical musicians. As a composer, he has been commissioned by several orchestras such as the San Jose Chamber Orchestra, Mission Chamber Orchestra, Oddysea Chorus of Lisbon, and the Anglican Chorale of Southern California. He is also a notable vocalist - having served in the United States Air Force as a Singing Sergeant - and conductor.
Life
Son of prominent composer Jacob Avshalomov and his wife Doris, David Avshalomov was born on May 6, 1946 in New York City, New York. He grew up in Oregon where his father, Jacob, served as the music director for the Portland Junior Symphony. Avshalomov enjoyed music from a young age, claiming that he "learned the joys of madrigal singing at home". He studied music theory and composition throughout grade school, and eventually continued these studies at both Harvard University and the University of Washington. Avshalomov would later serve a tour of duty in the United States Air Force as a Singing Sergeant, during which he composed several works - including his Spring Rondo. He now lives in Santa Monica, California, where he manages his label "Raven Music".
Education
Avshalomov is an alumnus of both Harvard University and the University of Washington.
Harvard
During his junior year at Harvard, Avshalomov wrote an article for the Harvard Crimson - a distinguished student newspaper - regarding a performance by the Bach Society Orchestra. Moving into his senior year, Avshalomov performed with the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra as a percussionist in their performance of Darius Milhauld's "Percussion Concerto". He later graduated from Harvard in 1967 with a baccalaureate in Music. Avshalomov was one of ninety-nine seniors to receive honors from the Phi Beta Kappa chapter that year, writing his honor's thesis on "the melodic use of kettledrums in Western music".
University of Washington
Avshalomov began performing with the University of Washington Symphony Orchestra as early as October 1967, operating as the Orchestra's tympani player. He maintained this position throughout his time at the university while branching out into other positions within the artistic department. Avshalomov performed for UW's "Contemporary Group" in 1968, '72, '73, '74, and 1975 - when he served as the conductor for the group. He also conducted several of the university's operas, such as scenes from Act II of Madam Butterfly. In 1976 he published his doctoral dissertation on the Five Pieces for Orchestra by Arnold Schoenberg, earning him his Doctor of Musical Arts.
