Abraham Kaplan, affectionately known to most of his family and friends as “Kappy,” was born in Israel before the founding of the country. He followed in the professional footsteps of his father, Shlomo Kaplan, but instead of staying in Israel, immigrated to America in 1954 to follow his dream of studying at The Juilliard School. Soon after graduation, he was invited to join the Juilliard faculty as Director of Choral Studies, a position he held with distinction from 1961 - 1977.

During his time at Juilliard, Kaplan conducted professional choruses and formed a long-lasting musical collaboration with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, and with the Park Avenue Synagogue.

In 1977 he relocated to Seattle and directed choral studies at the University of Washington. He later became an associate director for choral activities of the Seattle Symphony.

As a composer, Kaplan’s most famous composition was his oratorio, Glorious, recorded with the Camerata Singers in 1973.

He also published a college textbook, Choral Conducting, and his professional memoirs, Splendid Encounters.

Kaplan loved teaching almost as much as he loved music. Along with his family, he left a legacy of thousands of music students with whom he felt a deep and loving connection through music.