Following years as a professional classical violinist, Gary Schnitzer has created his own style and arranges full instrumental pieces into a smooth fusion of classical, swing, jazz and romantic pop music.

His CD recordings are expressive performances of familiar and original melodies. This classic and contemporary music ranges from love songs and lullabies to spiritual music and holiday tunes, all featuring Gary’s passionate violin performances.

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My latest CD, "Melodia", is an instrumental collection of origninal music for violin and orchestra. It was submitted by NARAS as a Contender for the 2006 Grammy Award Competition in three categories, including "Best Classical Crossover CD".

Track 4 on "Melodia", titled "Last Waltz" was submitted for "Best Instrumental Performance" and Track 5, "Across the Ocean" was submitted for "Best Composition".

All songs on "Melodia' can be heard, and purchased, here.

Gary Schnitzer Bio

For most of his professional life Gary has been a classical violinist.

He was a titled member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in New York, and was also Concertmaster (first chair violinist) of the internationally acclaimed Mantovani Orchestra
for a couple of their national tours.

Gary has two degrees in music performance: a Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas, and a Masters from the Yale School of Music. However, after branching out on his own as a booking agent andpromoter of his own pop groups for special events in his native Dallas, he developed a new style....sort of a synthesis of classical, swing, jazz, and simply romantic pop music.

He eventually started making recordings with the musicians he most enjoyed playing with; all of whom are world class performers.

In 2006, Gary released a new CD of all original music, tentatively titled Melodia. It is romantic, soulful, sensual……and rich with expressive melody. Whereas his previous recordings featured smaller, more intimate ensembles,
this new recording has a large symphonic sound.
His passionate violin solos will still be prominently featured..
In addition to being a violinist, Gary is also a professional actor: having acted in commercials, dinner theater, and TV shows.