Dennis Russell Davies (born April 16, 1944, Toledo, Ohio) is an American conductor and pianist. He studied piano and conducting at the Juilliard School, where he received his doctorate. A champion of contemporary composers and modern music including Hans Werner Henze, William Bolcom, Lou Harrison, Alan Hovhaness, John Cage, Philip Glass, Giya Kancheli, Arvo Pärt, Virgil Thomson, and Aaron Copland, Davies has commissioned, premiered and recorded numerous pieces, as well as recording the standard classical works.