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Simon Sargon Biography
Composer Contact:
Email: ssargon@aol.com
Simon Sargon was born in Bombay, India on April 6, 1938. His parents were of Russian Jewish and Sepharidic-Indian descent. Sargon studied piano privately with Horszowski.
Simon Sargon, currently a Professor of Composition at Southern Methodist University (1983-- ), holds degrees from Brandeis University (1959) and the Juilliard School (1962). Sargon studied composition with Persichetti at Julliard.
Prior to his appointment at SMU, Sargon taught at Sarah Lawrence College (1965-68) and the Juilliard School (1967-69), and served as
Head of the Voice Department at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem (1971-74). Sargon also served as associate conductor for Concert Opera in New York City (1962-68).
As Director of Music at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas (1974- ) for over 25 years he led one of the most distinguished programs of Jewish music in America.
Sargon enjoys wide recognition as a composer, pianist, and lecturer on music, and his compositions have been performed both
nationally and internationally. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has premiered three of his works to critical acclaim, and numerous singers, instrumental soloists, choral groups, and chamber music ensembles have performed his compositions at concert halls and universities across America.
The Texas Music Teachers Association named Sargon its Commissioned Composer in l994 and then for a second time in 2003. Other notable commissions include the Meadows Foundation, Yale University, Susquehanna University and the Dallas Holocaust Society.
He was inducted as an Honorary Member of the American Conference of Cantors (2003), named a Finalist in the National Opera Association Competition (1997); and awarded First Prize in the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition (1993).
Sargon s works are published by Boosey and Hawkes, Southern Music, Hal Leonard, Transcontinental Music, and Lawson-Gould. His work as both composer and pianist may be heard on the New World, Ongaku and Crystal labels. The Gasparo label has devoted three CD s exclusively to his compositions. Sargon was piano accompanist to Jennie Tourel in concert between 1963-1971.
He married Bonnie Glasgow, Nov. 17, 1961.
Sargon's works include operas, oratorios, and vocal canatas as well as orchestral and smaller ensemble works.
For further reading:
Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians, Centenniel Edition, Nicolas Slonimsky, Editor Emeritus, New York: Schirmer, 2001.Marquis Who's Who on the Web, accessed, November 5, 2006.
Who's Who in Entertainment 1992-1993, 2nd Edition (pub. 1992)
Who's Who in Entertainment 1989-1990, 1st Edition (pub. 1988)
Who's Who in Religion 1992-1993, 4th Edition (pub. 1992)
For More Information:
Hart, Deborah. "Notes on music: Bombay-born Sargon marvels at friendliness of Texans," The New York Jewish Week (1973-1981). (Manhattan edition). New York, N.Y.: Oct 15, 1978. Vol.188, Iss. 20; pg. 43.
(Go Back to "American Judaism's Lost Legacy" Ten Composers Page)
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November 5, 2006
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