Allan Zavod

Allan Zavod
Born(1945-10-16)16 October 1945
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Died29 November 2016(2016-11-29) (aged 71)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
GenresJazz fusion, jazz
Occupation(s)Musician, actor
Instrument(s)Piano, electric piano
Years active1972–2016
Formerly ofGlenn Miller Orchestra
Websitewww.allanzavod.com

Allan Zavod OAM (16 October 1945 – 29 November 2016) was an Australian pianist, composer, jazz musician and occasional conductor whose career was mainly in America.[1][2]

Zavod completed a music degree from the Melbourne Conservatorium, University of Melbourne in 1969. His talent as a pianist was recognised by Duke Ellington, who arranged for him to study at the Berklee College of Music, Boston – where Zavod was later a professor of music.[3]

Zavod was based in the US for 20 years, where he played, toured and recorded. He scored more than 30 American and Australian films and television shows.[citation needed] His symphonic works have been performed by orchestras in Australia, Europe and the U.S. He composed the Environmental Symphony for orchestra, narrator and synchronized visuals which was performed at the 2010 Banksia Environmental Awards and narrated by Sir Richard Branson.[citation needed]

The University of Melbourne awarded Zavod the Degree of Doctor of Music in recognition of his international achievements as a composer.[4]

  1. ^ "Allan Zavod's Website". Allanzavod.com. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  2. ^ "Frank Zappa composer Dr Allan Zavod dies". teamrock.com. 1 December 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
  3. ^ "Allan Zavod, pianist, dies aged 71". smh.com.au. 30 November 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
  4. ^ "Dr Allan Hyam Zavod (OB 63)". Brightongrammar.vic.edu.au. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2014.