Brian Israel

Who was Brian Israel?

Brian Israel, was an American composer, pianist, and conductor. He was a faculty member of the Syracuse University School of Music from 1975 until his death, at age 35, from leukemia. He left a large number of written symphonic, chamber, and solo works, several of which have been recorded for Spectrum, Redwood, Pro-Viva, Innova Records, and Albany Records. "His music is marked by extreme contrasts in tempo and mood, often following a witty or downright funny movement with one that is deadly serious."

In his honor, the Brian Israel Award is given every year to young deserving New York composers.