Steiner, George, 1918-2008.

George Steiner was a violinist, conductor, administrator, teacher, and founder of the George Washington University Music Department. Born in 1918, Steiner gave his first public performance at age 7. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music (1938) at the Johns Hopkins University, and a Masters in Music from the Peabody Conservatory (1940). He served in the Navy during World War II, and returned to Washington, D.C. in 1949 as concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra. During the 1950s, Steiner also acted as the concertmaster for the National Gallery Orchestra, pursued graduate studies in musicology at Catholic University, and taught classes at American University where he played in the string quartet and conducted the university Chamber Music Society and Contemporary Music Symposium. In 1960 he was appointed to the faculty of the George Washington University where he founded the university Music Department. As chairman of the department, Steiner established accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs, hired music faculty, taught violin and music history, and conducted chamber ensembles. Mr. Steiner resigned as chairman of the music department in 1983, and in 1984 the Steiner Music Scholarship was established in his name. He was given emeritus status in 1988, and taught at the George Washington University until 2007. He conducted many ensembles throughout his career, including the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Camerata Orchestra, and the Friday Morning Music Club Orchestra. He was a soloist and guest conductor with many orchestras, and he directed, produced, and performed in many television programs and movie soundtracks. He received many honors throughout his lifetime. He died on December 29, 2008 at the age of 90.