|
Performing Arts Library Special Collections in Performing Arts ABA Research Center 
|
Ostwald Award Archives
Winner 1996: Anthony Iannaccone, Psalm for a Great Country
Winner 1995: Sea Drift [Listen]
Biography:
Anthony Iannaccone was born in New York City in 1943. He began studying violin and piano at the age of five and before long was improvising and composing his own music. He began his higher education as a physics major at Fordham University, but he continued to compose and took lessons with Aaron Copland and Vittorio Gianni. After two years at Fordham, Iannaccone transferred to Manhattan School of Music where he earned B.M. and M.M. degrees. At Manhattan, Iannaccone studied composition with David Diamond, Nicolas Flagello, and Ludmila Ulehla. He also played first violin with the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the West Chester Symphony. He went on to study composition with Samuel Adler and Warren Benson at the Eastman School of Music, where he received his Ph.D. in 1971.Since 1971 Iannaccone has taught theory, composition, and music literature at Eastern Michigan University where he also directs the Collegium Musicum, an early music ensemble. He is an active guest conductor throughout the United States as well.
Among Iannaccone's many honors are the Howard Hanson Prize from Eastman, Distinguished Faculty Award at Eastern Michigan University, and the National Band Association Award as well as numerous commissions and grants. Seventeen of Iannaccone's works are currently available on commercial recordings and his music has been performed by several major symphonies including Baltimore, Detroit, San Francisco and Minnesota.
Iannaccone resides in Ypsilanti, Michigan with his wife Judith and their two children.
Sources: Correspondence with the composer.
