Robert Ward was born on September 13, 1917, in Ohio. He showed a talent for music from a young age and began studying piano at the age of five. His passion for music only grew as he got older, and he eventually decided to pursue a career as a composer.
In 1939, Ward received a fellowship from the prestigious Juilliard School, where he studied composition under the renowned Frederick Jacobi. He also took classes in orchestration with Bernard Wagenaar and conducting with Albert Stoessel and Edgar Schenkman.
During World War II, Ward served in the Aleutian Islands and was awarded a Bronze Star for his meritorious service. After the war, he continued to pursue his musical career and found success as a composer.
In 1961, Ward won the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his opera "The Crucible," based on the play by Arthur Miller. This was a significant achievement for Ward and solidified his reputation as a talented composer. Some of his other notable works include "Jubilation: An Overture" from 1945, "Sacred Songs for Pantheists" from 1951, and "Euphony for Orchestra" from 1954.
Ward came from a humble background, as his family owned a moving and storage company. He grew up with four siblings and learned the value of hard work and perseverance from a young age.
In 1944, Ward married Mary Raymond Benedict, and the couple had a happy and fulfilling marriage. Ward's dedication to his craft and his ability to capture the human experience through music have left a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.
Throughout his career, Ward collaborated with a wide range of musicians and composers, including Aaron Copland, whom he studied under at the Berkshire Music Center in 1941. Ward's unique style and innovative approach to composition have inspired countless musicians and continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Robert Ward passed away on April 3, 2013, but his music lives on as a testament to his talent and creativity. He will always be remembered as a gifted composer who pushed the boundaries of classical music and left a lasting impact on the world of opera and orchestral music.