MUSIC DIRECTOR
Internationally renowned conductor Leonard Slatkin began his critically acclaimed tenure as Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in the 2008-09 season.
In addition to his post at the DSO, Maestro Slatkin is the Music Director of the Orchestre National de Lyon for the 2011-12 season and serves as the Principal Guest Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Slatkin is also renowned for his historic leadership of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1979 until 1996, where he is now Conductor Laureate and for his successful three-year tenure as Principal Guest Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. He served as Festival Director of the Cleveland Orchestra’s Blossom Festival from 1990-1999, Principal Guest Conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra from 1997-2000 and Chief Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from 2000-2004.
Throughout the world, Slatkin’s performances have been distinguished by imaginative programming and highly praised interpretations of both the standard and contemporary symphonic repertoire. Additionally, he is well known for his arts advocacy work on behalf of music education.
Slatkin’s more than 100 recordings have been recognized with seven Grammy Awards and more than 60 Grammy Award nominations.
Slatkin was born in Los Angeles where his parents, conductor-violinist Felix Slatkin and cellist Eleanor Aller, were founding members of the Hollywood String Quartet. He began his musical studies on the violin and studied conducting with his father, followed by training with Walter Susskind at Aspen and Jean Morel at The Juilliard School.