Swedish-American conductor Herbert Blomstedt died on November 4 at his home in Gothenburg, Sweden, aged 99, his management agency, KünstlerSekretariat am Gasteig, announced. The agency said he died peacefully with his family present. His death ends a conducting career spanning more than seven decades, with leading posts in Europe and the United States.
According to the Associated Press, Blomstedt led the San Francisco Symphony from 1985 to 1995. He subsequently headed Leipzig's Gewandhaus Orchestra from 1998 to 2005, remaining its honorary conductor afterward. The German orchestra said his influence on its musical life continued well beyond his tenure, and remembered his modesty and respect for musicians.
His management said he had wanted to keep conducting until his 100th birthday and beyond, but worsening health had recently prevented performances and forced cancellations. AP reported that his final concert took place on May 15 with the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Hall, where he conducted Mahler's Ninth Symphony.
The Gewandhaus said Blomstedt succeeded Kurt Masur and broadened its repertoire, including music by Nordic composers. His work also extended to music education: he introduced family concerts and founded the Mendelssohn festival. The orchestra credited him with strengthening its international profile alongside his work on its sound and performance traditions.
Tributes also came from Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, which said he conducted it in almost 80 concerts between 1983 and 2023, including an extensive United States tour in 2004. The ensemble recalled his dedication to music and warm personality. His management similarly emphasized his knowledge of scores, discipline and commitment to serving composers' intentions.
Leipzig's Gewandhaus Orchestra announced that its concerts under Andris Nelsons on November 5, 6 and 8 will be dedicated to Blomstedt's memory. A condolence book will be available in the main foyer from November 6. These arrangements give audiences an opportunity to pay tribute to a musician whose association with the orchestra continued long after his years as its chief.
Comments