Antek, Samuel

Samuel Antek (1908-1958) was born in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Chicago Musical College, where he studied violin under Leon Sametini. In 1924, Antek moved to New York City to study with Leopold Auer. Antek went on to study with Louis Persinger and Albert Spaulding at the Juilliard School and in 1936 debuted as a violinist at The Town Hall. Following his debut, Antek concertized extensively and received his first conducting opportunity on the General Foods Radio Hour which broadcasted symphonic, popular classics and operatic music.

In 1937, upon becoming first violinist for the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) Symphony Orchestra, Antek begin his orchestral apprenticeship with Arturo Toscanini. He would remain with the NBC Symphony Orchestra until its cessation in 1954. In the 1940s, Antek also attended The Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestra Musicians in Hancock, Maine. The professional relationships forged with both Toscanini and Monteux would remain influential through out his career.

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