Lorin Maazel

For over five decades, Lorin Maazel has been one of the world’s most esteemed and sought-after conductors. Between 2005 and 2011 he was inaugural Music Director of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia. He was Music Director of New York Philharmonic from 2002 to 2009, and currently holds the same post with Münchner Philharmoniker. He is also founder and Artistic Director of the acclaimed Castleton Festival in Virginia, a ground-breaking festival and training programme for young artists.

Other renowned orchestras Maazel has led include: Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks (1993–2002); Pittsburgh Symphony (1988–96); Vienna State Opera (1982–84); Cleveland Orchestra (1972– 82); and Deutsche Oper Berlin (1965–71). His close association with Wiener Philharmoniker includes 11 internationally televised New Year’s Concerts. In 2011, he completed a Mahler cycle in London with Philharmonia Orchestra.

A second-generation American born in Paris, Maazel appeared publicly for the first time aged eight. In 1953 he made his European début. He quickly established himself as a major artist, appearing at Bayreuth in 1960 (the first American to do so), with Boston Symphony in 1961, and at Salzburg Festival in 1963. Maazel is also a highly regarded composer.

Equally committed to environmental and humanitarian causes, he has raised millions of dollars for such organisations as UNESCO, WWF, Red Cross and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Lorin Maazel has conducted nearly 200 orchestras in no fewer than 7,000 opera and concert performances. He has made over 300 recordings, winning ten Grands Prix du Disques.