Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

October 12, 1928 in Radomsko, Poland

Death

:

December 23, 2014 in Lausanne, Switzerland

Genre

:

Opera

 

Jerzy Semkow was a renowned Polish conductor and composer who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on November 12, 1928, in Radom, Poland, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which inspired him to pursue a career in music. Semkow began his musical education at the State Music School in Radom, where he studied piano and violin. Later, he continued his studies at the State Higher School of Music in Katowice, where he studied composition and conducting. He also attended the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, where he studied with the legendary conductor Fernando Previtali. In 1954, Semkow made his debut as a conductor with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, and soon after, he became the principal conductor of the Poznań Philharmonic Orchestra. He also served as the principal conductor of the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra from 1959 to 1962. Semkow's talent as a conductor was recognized early on in his career, and he was invited to conduct some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He also conducted at major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and La Scala in Milan. One of Semkow's most significant achievements was his tenure as the music director of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1975 to 1979. During his time there, he elevated the orchestra's reputation and led them to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York. Semkow was also a prolific composer, and his works were performed by many orchestras around the world. His compositions were influenced by his Polish heritage and often featured folk melodies and rhythms. Throughout his career, Semkow received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1999, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, and in 2002, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor. He was also a recipient of the Gold Medal of the International Gustav Mahler Society and the Medal of Honor of the City of Katowice. Semkow's legacy in the world of classical music is significant, and his contributions as a conductor and composer will continue to inspire future generations of musicians. He passed away on March 23, 2014, in Lausanne, Switzerland, at the age of 85.

More....