Zygmund Przemsylaw Rondomanski (1908-2000) Papers (KC0261)
Born October 22, 1908 in New London, Connecticut, Zygmund Przemyslaw Rondomanski came from a musically talented family of 13 children. His father, Zygmund Alexander Rondomanski, played the violin, and along with his two brothers formed a trio of two violins and a cello in his years in Poland before bringing his family to the United States in 1898. His mother, Monica Biosvert Rondomanski, was a sister of Alexander Biosvert, one of Poland's most outstanding musicians and accordionist.
Encouraged by the constant exposure to music within his family, Rondomanski began studying early and by age 14 was writing his own compositions. Beyond this atmosphere, he also received formal training including study under the renowned Dr. Percy Goetschius, musical director and for many years head of the Department of Musical Theory at the Institute of Musical Art of New York City, from whom he received a certificate for his work in Music Theory, Harmony Counterpoint, and Musical Composition in October of 1935. Later Rondomanski also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Cello from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor's Degree in Musical Composition from the University Extension Conservatory of Chicago.
A photographer by profession, Rondomanski has dedicated much of his life to writing, playing, and teaching music. Using a cello made by his father, he has been the first cellist for the Kansas City Conservatory of Music String Orchestra under Dr. Francis Buebendorf and the first cellist for the Independence Symphony Orchestra. He was also Assistant Conductor of the Groton Symphony Orchestra. Rondomanski was often accompanied on piano by his wife, formerly Miss Blanche Crandall, and her sister, Lois Crandall to form a popular trio of cello, piano, and violin which played throughout the Kansas City area.
Through the years, Rondomanski has written over 350 pieces. Among these numerous works are marches performed by the United States Coast Guard Academy Band and many compositions for full orchestra played by the Independence Symphony Orchestra and the Groton Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. Other pieces were composed as teaching aids for the many students who weekly came to him for instruction.
Zygmund and Blanche Rondomanski, and their two children, Shirley and Timothy, moved to Independence, Missouri, in 1943. Both Rondomanski and his wife continued their active musical interests. Zygmund P. "Ziggy" Rondomanski passed at the age of 91 on January 5, 2000.
His papers include original musical scores, compositions, and arrangements for the cello and other instruments by Rondomanski. Also included is a scrapbook of letters, clippings, programs, and photographs relating to Rondomanski's life and career. Three cassette tapes contain recordings of his work, as well. ca. 1928-1988.
62 folders, 3 cassette tapes.
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updated:
Monday, March 23, 2009
Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Kansas City
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