Harvey Shapiro | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Primrose_Quartet.jpg) Shapiro (second from right) with members of the Primrose Quartet, 1943 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | June 22, 1911 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | October 25, 2007 (aged 96) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Cellist, pedagog |
| Instrument | Violoncello |
Harvey Shapiro (June 22, 1911 – October 25, 2007) was an American cellist and teacher. His professional debut was in 1935 at New York City's Town Hall. Following this, he was chosen by Arturo Toscanini to play in the cello section of the NBC Symphony Orchestra, whereupon he became its principal in 1943. He was also a founding member of its associated chamber ensembles, the Primrose Quartet and NBC Trio.
After leaving the NBC Symphony in 1946, Shapiro performed prolifically as a studio musician and chamber musician. In 1947, he was a founding member of the WQXR Radio Quartet, which played the international and American premieres of works by various composers until its dissolution in 1963.
From 1970, Shapiro turned his focus to teaching. He taught at the Juilliard School, and gave summer classes and master classes elsewhere in the United States, Canada, and Europe; continuing until 2006. He died in 2007.