Yehudi Wyner (born June 1, 1929, inCalgary,Alberta) is an Americancomposer,pianist,conductor and music educator.
Wyner, who grew up inNew York City, was raised in a musical family. His father,Lazar Weiner, was an eminent composer ofYiddishart songs. Wyner attendedJuilliard,Yale andHarvard, and was a student ofPaul Hindemith andWalter Piston. He has written music in a variety of genres, including compositions fororchestra,chamber ensembles, solo voice and solo instruments, as well as theatrical music and settings of theJewish liturgy. Among his best-known works are theFriday Evening Service (1963) and "Torah Service with Instruments" (1966)forcantor andchorus, andOn This Most Voluptuous Night (1982) forsoprano and chamber ensemble.
Wyner taught for 14 years at Yale, where he was the head of the composition faculty. He also taught atSUNY Purchase,Cornell,Brandeis and Harvard.
In 2006, Wyner won thePulitzer Prize for Music for hispiano concertoChiavi in Mano.[1][2]
Wyner was married to Nancy Braverman (Wyner) from 1951 to 1966, with whom he had three children – Isaiah, Adam, and Cassia.[3] He marriedsopranoSusan Davenny-Wyner in 1967.[4]
He graduated fromYale University andHarvard University.[5]