biographical statement

Maurice Gardner (1909-2002) was an acclaimed violist and composer from New York.

He began writing music at the age of 6. At age 19 he studied at Juilliard under the direction of Leopold Mannes. He had a 40 year career as a free lance composer for film, radio, and television. During this time he wrote over 600 works that also included works for instrument solos, chamber ensembles, chorus, and orchestra. He founded the Great Neck Symphony and the Staff Music Publishing Company. He was the author of the Choral Reader and The Orchestrator's Handbook. He retired in 1970 in Florida where he continued to write music till his death in 2002.

Citation:

Bach Cantatas, Website Apr. 15, 2011 (b. 1090; d. 2002; composer and violist; began writing music at the age of 6; He studied composition with Leopold Mannes at the Juilliard School and at 19; 40-year career as a composer for films, radio and television; 600 works; works for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, chorus, and orchestra; founding conductor and music director of the Great Neck Symphony; founded the Staff Music Publishing Co. and was the author of The Choral Reader and The Orchestrator's Handbook; After "retiring" to Florida, he resumed composing for the concert stage)

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