Was commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera to write a new American
opera, for the inaugural opening of the new Met at Lincoln Center,
September 16, 1966. The result of this commission was "Antony and
Cleopatra." The libretto was by Franco Zeffirelli.
His 1958 opera "Vanessa," comissioned by the Metropolitan Opera, and
his 1962 Piano Concerto, comissioned by the opening festivities of
Lincoln Center, both individually won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, in
their respective years.
Made his entire financial income almost exclusively by composing music.
Attended B. Reed West Chester Henderson High School, and is credited
for composing alma mater. (Class of 1926)
Studied at the newly founded Curtis Insitute of Music, beginning in
1926.
Spoke fluent French.
His opera "Vanessa" is one of the few to receive an "original cast"
recording. The recording also featured the same conductor (Dimitri Mitropoulos) who
led the premiere of the opera.
Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives." Volume
One, 1981-1985, pages 39-41. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons,
1998.