Howard Hanson

Howard Hanson, born in Nebraska to Swedish immigrant parents, was a towering figure in 20th-century American classical music, renowned for his compositions, conducting, and educational contributions. As the longtime director of the Eastman School of Music, Hanson championed American classical music and rejected the prevalent serialism and atonalism of his time, carving out a unique and popular path. His orchestral works, marked by thematic economy and intriguing formal structures, have earned him a place among the most beloved composers of his era. Hanson's legacy is celebrated through his numerous prizes, including a Pulitzer, and his enduring influence on American music.