Pittel, Harvey

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Pittel, Harvey

Pittel, Harvey , American saxophonist; b. Great Falls, Mont., June 22, 1943. He studied with Kalman Bloch and Franklyn Stokes, then took courses at the Univ. of Southern Calif, in Los Angeles (1961–65), where he received his doctorate in music education. After studies with Frederick Hemke at Northwestern Univ. (1965–66), he played in the U.S. Military Academy Band (1966–69), during which time he continued his studies, with Joseph Allard. He won the silver medal at the Geneva International Competition (1970). He made his formal debut as a soloist in Ingolf Dahl’s Saxophone Concerto with the Boston Sym. Orch. (1971), and his recital debut at N.Y.’s Carnegie Recital Hall (1973); subsequently toured throughout North America and Europe, appearing as a soloist with the leading orchs., as a recitalist, and as a chamber music player.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire