Dennis Russell Davies is an American conductor and pianist. He studied piano and conducting at the Juilliard School, where he received his doctorate. He is a noted champion of living composers and modern music including Hans Werner Henze, William Bolcom, Lou Harrison, Alan Hovhaness, John Cage, Philip Glass, Giya Kancheli, Arvo P�rt, Virgil Thomson, and Aaron Copland. Davies has commissioned, premiered and recorded numerous pieces by living composers, along with the standard classical works. His recordings of note include Copland's Appalachian Spring with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in 1979, for which he won a Grammy Award; Arvo P�rt Fratres and Miserere; and many of Philip Glass's operas and symphonies, including the 5th symphony, which is dedicated to Davies. Davies premiered Glass's newest symphony at the 2012 New Year's concert in Anton Bruckner Concert Hall in Linz to a standing ovation. Lou Harrison's 3rd Symphony is also dedicated to Davies. Davies served as Music Director of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra from 1972 to 1980. 

April 16th, 1944 in Toledo (Age 80)