Tibor Serly

Tibor Serly (1900-1978) was a Hungarian-American composer, conductor, and violinist, primarily associated with classical music. Born in Hungary, he studied at the Budapest Academy of Music and later moved to the United States, where he contributed significantly to the American music scene. Serly is best known for his orchestral and chamber works, including “Concerto for Violin and Orchestra,” and his contributions to film music during the 1940s and 1950s. He also made notable arrangements of works by other composers, including Béla Bartók, for whom he served as an assistant. His arrangement of Bartók's "Concerto for Orchestra" is particularly esteemed. In addition to his compositions, Serly was an educator, teaching at various institutions, including the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles. His influence extended to nurturing a generation of musicians and composers through his teaching and mentorship. Serly's impact on music lies in his ability to blend traditional Hungarian folk elements with contemporary classical styles, thereby enriching the American music landscape and fostering appreciation for Eastern European musical heritage.