Arnold Black

Arnold Black (2 May 1923 – 25 June 2000) was an American violinist and composer.

His most senior positions held include assistant concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra and concertmaster at the Baltimore Symphony. In his career as a composer he wrote music particularly for stage productions.

Black was notable for maintaining a musical career despite suffering from cerebral palsy from birth. He died at his home in Massachusetts in the summer of 2000.

Black was born on May 2, 1923 in the U.S. City of Philadelphia. He had cerebral palsy from birth, affecting mobility in his right side.

Black studied at The Juilliard School, graduating with majors in violin and composition.

Black held standard violin positions in NBC Symphony and Casals Festival. He was assistant concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony before becoming concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra.

In 1969, Black helped to start the Mohawk Trail concerts. He was asked to play a Handel sonata for a Sunday service at the Federated Church in Charlemont, Massachusetts by church organist Alice Parker Pyle. This event adapted into an annual chamber music concert series. He directed the concerts for over thirty years.

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