Kalmanoff, Martin, 1920-2007

Martin Kalmanoff, American composer of operas, musicals, choral works, religious services and popular songs, was born in Brooklyn, NY, May 24, 1920, and died July 14, 2007, in Mendham, NJ.

He studied piano and composition from the age of seven, graduated from Woodmere Academy in 1937 and studied music at Harvard (1937-1943), where he received Bachelors and Masters degrees, and studied with Walter Piston. He began his career as a popular songwriter, sometimes writing his own lyrics, but mostly collaborating with either Atra Baer (his first wife) or Aaron Schroeder, though he often worked with other lyricists. As his career progressed, Kalmanoff devoted most of his energy to operas and musicals. His first few operas were written with Atra Baer, while other collaborators included Eugene Ionesco (The Bald Prima Donna), William Saroyan (Opera, Opera), Eric Bentley (The Harmfulness Of Tobacco) and Lewis Allan (The Insect Comedy). Kalmanoff frequently wrote vocal or choral pieces, and, later in his life, Jewish prayer services. Kalmanoff also performed frequently as a pianist or organist in synagogues and restaurants, and as pianist/conductor/ arranger for summer stock and community theatres.

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