Jon Deak

Jon Deak (born April 17, 1943, Hammond, Indiana; died April 28, 2024, New York City) was an American composer and double bassist. He was best known for his contributions to music for young audiences, particularly his "Concerto for Double Bass Alone" and numerous works featuring animal characters and programmatic themes.

Deak studied double bass at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and later with David Walter at the Juilliard School. He joined the New York Philharmonic as a double bassist in 1966, a position he held until his retirement in 2003.

Throughout his career, Deak was deeply committed to music education and outreach. He frequently performed and presented workshops for children, aiming to make classical music accessible and engaging. His compositions often incorporate theatrical elements, storytelling, and audience participation.

His works include concertos, chamber music, and solo pieces for double bass. Notable compositions include "The Headless Horseman," "Lucy and the Count," and numerous works commissioned by orchestras across the United States. He also wrote extensively for narrator and orchestra. His unique approach to composition, blending musical virtuosity with theatrical flair and educational intent, distinguished him within the contemporary classical music scene.