Albert Hurwit
Albert Hurwit
Composer

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 Winner of the 2009 American Composers Composition Award

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Connecticut native Albert Hurwit came to composition late in life, after a successful medical career in radiology. Although not formally trained, he composed two notable compositions: the award-winning Symphony No.1, “Remembrance” and his distinctive choral work Are There Still Bells.

Learn more about Albert’s journey

 
 
 

PBS Lifecasters Special

Hurwit was honored at Lincoln Center when the national broadcast of the PBS special “Lifecasters” presented the world premiere of his story in the documentary entitled “The Gambling Man.” Click below for a 2 minute introduction of this special.

 
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 WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

 
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“I have conducted many symphonies over the years, but few of them stand out in my memory as having such a powerful impact on my daily life as this one. And to any conductor out there who may read this I will say this: Program this work! You will not regret it, and your audience will thank you!”

Brendan Townsend, Conductor of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, Laredo, Texas

“Strikingly beautiful… glorious and affecting main theme led by a solo violin soaring ever higher in even more luxuriant waves. The whirling energy (of Movement 4) conveys the anticipation and excitement of arrival in America…”

Gramophone, The World’s Best Classical Music Reviews

“On November 20, 2016, I conducted the world premiere of Are There Still Bells by Albert Hurwit. I can honestly say that the music elevates Longfellow's poem to a level that even the author would be humbled. Listeners and performers alike, today and tomorrow, will be elated!"

Ertan Sayyer Sener, Music Director of the New Britain Symphony Orchestra

“I believe that this work is a magnificent example of Christmas music. In addition to its infectious seasonal melody and the words of Longfellow, Hurwit has turned this work into a cri de coeur for world peace. It cannot fail to endure for years to come."

Michael Lankester, Conductor and Music Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra (1985-2000)

“With this vivid and colorful piece, Hurwit may well have created the thing that nearly every composer, serious or popular, secretly longs to create: a Christmas standard."

Steve Metcalf, longstanding Hartford Courant music critic