American Conductor William Kraft has Died, Aged 98

William Kraft was born in 1923, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a graduate of Columbia University, where he received two Anton Seidl Fellowships and completed a bachelor’s degree cum laude in 1951 and a master’s degree in 1954.

He studied composition with Jack Beeson and Henry Cowell, orchestration with Henry Brant, percussion with Morris Goldenberg, timpani with Saul Goodman, and conducting with Rudolph Thomas and Fritz Zweig.

During his time in New York, Kraft worked as a freelance musician and collaborated with renowned artists of the time. He also served as an additional percussionist for the Metropolitan Opera.

In 1954, Kraft joined the Dallas Symphony and in 1955, the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He spent 26 years in the latter orchestra — the first eight being in the percussion section and the remaining 18 years as principal timpanist. 

He was also the assistant conductor of the LA Phil for three seasons under Zubin Mehta. Between 1981 and 1985, Kraft was its Composer-in-Residence during which he also established and directed LA Phil’s New Music Group.

From 1985 onwards, Kraft became a full-time composer, scoring various films such as Avalanche (1978), Bill (1981), and Fire and Ice (1983). He later served as chairman of the composition department and was Corwin Chair of the University of California, until his retirement in 2002. 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of William Kraft,” the LA Phil posted on their Facebook page. “Few in our community have done more to shape contemporary music in Los Angeles and beyond than Kraft,” they continued. 

“As a composer, Kraft won too many awards and commissions to list for his uncompromising and distinct voice,” they added. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones, the many he mentored, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.”

Our condolences to Mr. Kraft’s family, friends, colleagues, and students.