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Lee Musiker

Emmy Award-winning conductor, pianist, composer, and arranger Lee Musiker brings a wealth of experience to the podium through his work with leading jazz, classical, pop, and Broadway performers. He has conducted almost 50 symphony orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra, in the U.S. and Canada, as a guest conductor and as music director for premier artists including Tony Bennett, Maureen McGovern, and Jerry Lewis.

Critics laud Musiker as "absolutely brilliant," "sparkling," and "a remarkably empathic and inventive virtuoso." His television credits include an individual Emmy Award, for his work as a co-composer of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, and a host of TV specials, including Great Performers: Live at Lincoln Center (PBS), Ira Gershwin at 100 from Carnegie Hall (PBS), and the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, with which he has a four-year association.

A Steinway Artist, Musiker is an active performer; the platinum roster of artists with whom he has worked is highly diverse and includes Mel Tormé, Kathleen Battle, Doc Severinsen, Betty Buckley, Lionel Hampton, and Joel Grey. As a pianist, he has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. He also may be heard on soundtracks of box-office hits including Sleepless in Seattle, Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors, and John Grisham's The Juror.

Musiker's discography includes cast recordings of The City of Angels, The Goodbye Girl, and The Civil War, and recordings with the New York Pops, Judy Collins, Margaret Whiting, Mandy Patinkin, Audra McDonald, Dawn Upshaw, and Barbara Cook.

After completing degrees at Eastman School of Music and Manhattan School of Music, Musiker toured for two years with the Buddy Rich Band. Returning to his native New York, he performed in orchestras of Broadway shows, including Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Chicago, City of Angels, Crazy for You, Jerome Robbins Broadway, and Starlight Express.

A music educator, Musiker has been a member of the faculties of New York University and Mannes School of Music/The New School. In addition, he has written educational text/recordings for Bradley Publications and for The Music Company of North America.


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