Composer. Born Quapaw Indian his name was Honganozhe, meaning "Stands With Eagles". He was recognized as a preeminent composer for melding Native American melodies, rhythms and instruments with classic Western orchestral music. His "Wounded Knee" composition was commissioned by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and led the groups premiere performances during its 1974 European Tour. From 1974 to 1979, he served as musical educational specialist for Bureau of Indian Affairs schools nationwide. His 1970s composition guidebook, "Native American Indian Songs," remains a standard text nationwide. In 1989, he became the first American composer to have an entire program of his works performed in the Beethoven House Chamber Music Hall Bonn, Germany. In 1999, The American Composers Orchestra performed his "Wounded Knee" production in its New York premiere at Carnegie Hall. In 2000, Ballard played his "Four American Indian Piano Preludes" in Bad Goisern, Austria, his last public appearance. His other works include "Ritmo Indio," "Moontide," "The Maid in the Mist" and "Thunder Beings". He received the Arts Lifetime Musical Achievement Award and was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2004. He died of cancer.
Composer. Born Quapaw Indian his name was Honganozhe, meaning "Stands With Eagles". He was recognized as a preeminent composer for melding Native American melodies, rhythms and instruments with classic Western orchestral music. His "Wounded Knee" composition was commissioned by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and led the groups premiere performances during its 1974 European Tour. From 1974 to 1979, he served as musical educational specialist for Bureau of Indian Affairs schools nationwide. His 1970s composition guidebook, "Native American Indian Songs," remains a standard text nationwide. In 1989, he became the first American composer to have an entire program of his works performed in the Beethoven House Chamber Music Hall Bonn, Germany. In 1999, The American Composers Orchestra performed his "Wounded Knee" production in its New York premiere at Carnegie Hall. In 2000, Ballard played his "Four American Indian Piano Preludes" in Bad Goisern, Austria, his last public appearance. His other works include "Ritmo Indio," "Moontide," "The Maid in the Mist" and "Thunder Beings". He received the Arts Lifetime Musical Achievement Award and was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2004. He died of cancer.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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