Lorin Maazel

Lorin Maazel became Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in September 2002. Over the years he has led more than 150 orchestras in more than 5,000 opera and concert performances, and conducted the Philharmonic more than 100 times prior to his current appointment.

Mr. Maazel most recently served as music director of the Symphony Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio (1993 until summer 2002). He has held positions as music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony (1988-96); general manager and chief conductor of the Vienna State Opera (1982-84) – the first American to hold that position; music director of The Cleveland Orchestra (1972-82), appearing with the orchestra in some 700 performances and seven international tours; and artistic director and chief conductor of the Deutsche Oper Berlin (1965-71). He was named honorary member of the Israel Philharmonic in 1985 when he conducted its 40th anniversary concert. He is also Honorary Member of the Vienna Philharmonic and is the recipient of the Hans von Bulow Silver Medal from the Berlin Philharmonic.

Maestro Maazel's extensive discography includes recordings with The Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic, and Bavarian Radio Orchestra. His interpretations of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet and Gershwin's Porgy and Bess with The Cleveland Orchestra were the first complete recordings of these works. He is the recipient of 10 Grand Prix du Disque Awards.

As a violinist, Lorin Maazel has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras. Also an accomplished composer, his works include The Empty Pot , for boy soprano, children's chorus, orchestra, and narrator; Farewells , commissioned and performed by the Vienna Philharmonic; Irish Vapours and Capers, premiered by the Pittsburgh Symphony in 1994 and his first opera, 1984, premiered in London's Royal Opera House.

His honors, decorations, and awards include the Commander's Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Legion of Honor of France, and the Commander of the Lion of Finland.