Lorin Maazel

Lorin Maazel (March 6, 1930 – July 13, 2014) was an American conductor, violinist, and composer whose seven-decade career made him one of the most prolific and influential figures in classical music, conducting over 150 orchestras in more than 5,000 performances and producing over 300 recordings. Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, to American parents Lincoln Maazel, a singer, and Marie Varencove Maazel, a pianist, he was a second-generation American who grew up primarily in the United States and demonstrated extraordinary talent as a child prodigy. Maazel began violin lessons at age five and conducting studies at age seven under Vladimir Bakaleinikoff, making his first public conducting appearance at age eight and debuting with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at age nine. He died in Castleton, Virginia, from complications of pneumonia at age 84.

Maazel was born to American parents of Ukrainian Jewish origin in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.

Maazel's early career was marked by rapid ascent, including invitations from Arturo Toscanini to conduct the NBC Symphony Orchestra between ages nine and fifteen, and his European debut in Catania, Italy, in 1953. By age 30, he became the first American to conduct at the Bayreuth Festival in 1960, followed by appearances at the Salzburg Festival in 1963 and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1961. He held major leadership roles, serving as music director of the Cleveland Orchestra from 1972 to 1982, where he elevated its international profile despite some controversies over programming; the Vienna State Opera from 1982 to 1984, from which he resigned amid disputes; the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from 1988 to 1996; the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra from 1993 to 2002; and the New York Philharmonic from 2002 to 2009. Additionally, he was chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic from 2012 until his death and artistic director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, while also founding the Castleton Festival in Virginia in 2009 to mentor young musicians through his Châteauville Foundation.