George Steiner papers

George Steiner was a violinist, conductor, administrator, teacher, and founder of the George Washington University’s music department.

Born in Baltimore in 1918, Steiner began playing the violin at age 6, and gave his first public performance at age 7. At age 15 he conducted the Baltimore City College Orchestra. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music (1938) at the Johns Hopkins University, and a Master’s in Music from the Peabody Conservatory (1940). He served in the Navy during World War II as a radar officer in the Pacific, and returned to Washington, D.C. in 1949 as concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra.

During the 1950s, Steiner also acted as the concertmaster for the National Gallery Orchestra, pursued graduate studies in musicology at Catholic University, and taught classes at American University where he played in the school’s string quartet and conducted the university’s Chamber Music Society and Contemporary Music Symposium.

In 1960 Mr. Steiner was appointed to the faculty of the George Washington University where he founded the university’s music department. As chairman of the department, Steiner established undergraduate and graduate degree programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, hired music faculty, and secured space for the department in the University Academic Center. He also taught violin and music history, and conducted chamber ensembles. Mr. Steiner resigned as chairman of GWU’s music department in 1983, and in 1984 the Steiner Music Scholarship was established in his name. He was given emeritus status in 1988, and taught at the George Washington University until 2007.

George Steiner conducted many ensembles throughout his career. In 1966 he became the music director for the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Steiner also directed the Washington Camerata Orchestra and the Friday Morning Music Club Orchestra. He was a soloist and guest conductor with many orchestras, and he directed, produced, and performed in many television programs and movie soundtracks.

He received many honors throughout his lifetime including the National Symphony Orchestra's Special Citation for Distinguished Service to the Washington Music Community (1953), The Distinguished Alumnus Award from The Johns Hopkins University (1973) and the Distinguished Washington Educator Award (1987).

George Steiner died on December 29, 2008 at the age of 90.