Leonard Slatkin

Leonard Slatkin
Name	Leonard Slatkin
Caption	Slatkin conducting in 2011.
Background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth date	1 September 1944
Birth place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Conductor, composer
Years active	1966–present
Spouse	Beth Gootee (m. 1968; div. 1982), Lynne Strow Piccolo (m. 1986; div. 1990), Linda Hohenfeld (m. 1990; div. 2004), Cindy McTee (m. 2011)
Awards	National Medal of Arts (2003)

Leonard Slatkin is an American conductor, composer, and music director renowned for his extensive work with major orchestras across the United States and Europe. His career, spanning over five decades, is marked by championing American repertoire, innovative programming, and a commitment to music education. He has held pivotal leadership roles with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, among others, and has made numerous acclaimed recordings for labels like RCA and EMI.

Early life and education

Born into a prominent musical family in Los Angeles, his father was violinist and conductor Felix Slatkin, a founding member of the Hollywood String Quartet, and his mother was cellist Eleanor Aller, a member of the same ensemble. He began studying violin and viola before turning his focus to conducting, initially learning from his parents and later studying at the University of Southern California and the Aspen Music Festival and School. He continued his formal training at the Juilliard School under celebrated pedagogue Jean Morel, while also receiving guidance from legendary conductors Walter Susskind and George Szell.

Career

His professional career began in 1966 as a conductor for the Juilliard orchestra and as an assistant to André Previn at the Houston Symphony. He rose to national prominence as the music director of the New Orleans Symphony from 1977 to 1979. His most transformative tenure was as music director of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (1979–1996), where he elevated the ensemble's national profile through tours, television broadcasts on PBS, and Grammy-winning recordings. He subsequently served as music director of the National Symphony Orchestra (1996–2008) and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (2008–2018), guiding the latter through a pivotal musicians' strike and recovery. He has also held principal guest conductor positions with the Royal Philharmonic in London and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and frequently guest conducts worldwide, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic.

Musical style and repertoire

He is recognized for a communicative and direct conducting style, prioritizing clarity and orchestral cohesion over overt theatricality. A passionate advocate for music from the United States, his core repertoire includes works by Aaron Copland, John Adams, John Corigliano, and Joan Tower, many of whom have dedicated compositions to him. His programming often juxtaposes contemporary American works with cornerstone pieces from the Romantic and 20th-century European canon by composers like Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Shostakovich. He has also conducted and recorded significant operatic works, including productions at the Metropolitan Opera and the Washington National Opera.

Awards and honors

His contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Arts, presented by President George W. Bush in 2003. He is a multiple Grammy Award winner, receiving honors for recordings with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Other significant awards include the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award, the Society of Composers National Musical Arts Award, and being named a Chevalier of France's Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Several universities have awarded him honorary doctorates.

Personal life

He has been married four times; his spouses have included pianist and composer Cindy McTee. He has two sons from previous marriages. An avid collector, his interests include science fiction memorabilia and autographs of historical figures. He has authored a book on conducting, *"Conducting Business,"* and has been active in music education initiatives, including work with the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Manhattan School of Music. He resides in St. Louis and maintains a busy international guest conducting schedule.

Selected discography

* Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 – Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (RCA) * John Corigliano: Symphony No. 1 – Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Erato) * Aaron Copland: Billy the Kid & Rodeo – Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (EMI) * Rachmaninoff: The Bells & Symphonic Dances – Detroit Symphony Orchestra (Naxos) * Joan Tower: Made in America – Nashville Symphony (Naxos) * Bernstein: Candide (complete) – London Symphony Orchestra (RCA)

Category:American conductors Category:American classical musicians Category:1944 births Category:Living people