Author archive for leonard slatkin

  • NOVEMBER 2024

    Sometimes plans come together in ways that might be predicted but at the same time offer wonderful surprises. I knew that the early September birthday celebrations were just a part of what was to come throughout the season, but I had no idea of the impact they would make on me.

    After the successful premiere of Daniel’s Voyager 130 in Dublin, we headed to Lyon for another performance of this piece and other works by members of clan Slatkin. This was a two-week stint, a rare privilege for a guest conductor, but this milestone birthday has its benefits. Settling into one place for an extended stay means at least one less airplane.

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  • Slatkin’s Legacy: A Birthday Celebration at the SLSO

    October 23, 2024

    The St. Louis community will gather this week to celebrate Slatkin’s 80th birthday and 55-year legacy with the SLSO. The weekend includes a concert program with deep personal meaning, a conducting workshop, and a book discussion.

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  • All Strings Attached: The Motor That Drives an Orchestra

    They play more notes than anyone else on the stage. They can be the heart and soul of the ensemble, differentiating orchestras from their counterparts in the band world.

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  • OCTOBER 2024

    80 is not the new 60; it is 80—period.

    Not that it seems to have mattered very much, as I feel great. The new number on the left has been around for a few weeks now, and gradually, I have eased my way back into season-opening form.

    On September 1, we had a few friends over to the house for wine and cheese, followed by more wine. Cindy had surprised me the previous evening with some wonderful gifts, including the new computer on which I am writing this essay. Looks much better, doesn’t it?

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  • Book Release: “Eight Symphonic Masterworks of the Nineteenth Century”

    September 17, 2024

    “Eight Symphonic Masterworks of the Nineteenth Century” highlights the decisions conductors make during the study process, as well as in rehearsal and performance, to bring a score to life. Order today and get 30% off with code RLFANDF30.

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  • Slatkin’s Complete RCA Album Collection Available for Streaming and Download

    September 4, 2024

    In honor of Leonard’s 80th birthday, Sony Classical has made the complete catalog of his Sony/RCA recordings available for download and streaming.⁠ The playlist includes 923 tracks and more than 82 hours of music, sorted by composer.

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  • “Happy Birthday” for Leonard Slatkin’s 80th, Arranged by Cindy McTee

    September 1, 2024

    In honor of Leonard’s 80th birthday, his wife, Cindy McTee, surprised him with this arrangement of “Happy Birthday” for piano. Feel free to download a PDF of the piece for performance as you wish. 

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  • SEPTEMBER 2024

    As I write this, it is a few days before September 1st. At this time, I have no idea what is being planned for the day the birthday number on the left changes. Sometimes, momentous occasions are best celebrated quietly.

    If it were up to me, I would simply watch a Cardinals game, fire up the Big Green Egg, and spend a quiet day at home with Cindy. A special bottle of wine might enhance the festivities, although we usually just have a single glass. However, I suspect that a few friends will stop by, and we shall be ready for them.

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  • Pre-Order Eight Symphonic Masterworks of the Nineteenth Century

    August 26, 2024

    The second volume in Leonard’s score-study series is available for pre-order and scheduled for release on Sept. 17. Based on decades of experience conducting these works, Leonard guides readers through eight beloved pieces of the nineteenth century. Use code RLFANDF30 for a 30% discount at rowman.com!

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  • AUGUST 2024

    In August 1964, I made my first public appearance as a conductor. I had done bits of stick-waving in high school and had led the Marriage of Figaro Overture with the California Youth Symphony, but this was the true beginning of my musical life on the podium.

    The place was Aspen, Colorado. I went there as a conducting student under the watchful eye of the Aspen Music Festival’s music director, Walter Susskind. Sixty years ago, this mountain town did not have traffic lights. Boutiques were unheard of, except for those selling skiing equipment. There were only two fine-dining establishments, the Copper Kettle and the Chart House (for steaks). The student orchestra rehearsed in the high school gymnasium.

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