Koussevitzky

Sergei Koussevitzky was a prominent Russian-American conductor and pianist, born on September 28, 1874, in Moscow, Russia. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of modern orchestral music. Koussevitzky's career spanned over six decades, during which he conducted numerous orchestras worldwide, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Koussevitzky's musical education began at the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied piano with Nikolai Zverev and composition with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. He later moved to the United States in 1902, where he continued his studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. His conducting debut was in 1904 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which he would later lead for over 30 years.

Throughout his career, Koussevitzky was known for his innovative programming and his ability to bring new works to the public. He was a strong advocate for contemporary music and commissioned works from many prominent composers of his time, including Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, and Leonard Bernstein. Koussevitzky's influence extended beyond his conducting career; he also served as a professor at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music.

Koussevitzky's contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Medal of Freedom in 1964. He passed away on June 16, 1951, in Boston, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a conductor and a champion of modern music.