Gertrude Rossbacher was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. She was born on January 12, 1929, in Vienna, Austria. Her parents were both musicians, and they recognized her talent for music at a very young age. They encouraged her to pursue her passion for music, and she began her musical training at the age of six. Rossbacher's early musical education was under the guidance of her mother, who was a pianist. She learned to play the piano and the violin, and her mother also taught her music theory and composition. Rossbacher's father was a conductor, and he introduced her to the world of orchestral music. She was fascinated by the sound of the orchestra and began to dream of becoming a conductor herself. At the age of 16, Rossbacher enrolled at the Vienna Music Academy, where she studied conducting under the tutelage of Hans Swarowsky. She was an exceptional student and quickly gained recognition for her talent. In 1951, she graduated with honors and was awarded the prestigious Vienna State Prize for Music. After completing her studies, Rossbacher began her career as a conductor. She worked with several orchestras in Austria and Germany, including the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Munich Philharmonic. She quickly gained a reputation as a talented and innovative conductor, and her performances were highly acclaimed. One of Rossbacher's most significant achievements was her appointment as the first female conductor of the Vienna State Opera in 1964. This was a groundbreaking achievement, as it was a male-dominated field at the time. Rossbacher's appointment was met with some resistance, but she proved her critics wrong with her exceptional performances. She remained the conductor of the Vienna State Opera until 1970. Rossbacher's career was marked by several highlights, including her performances at the Salzburg Festival, the Bayreuth Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival. She also conducted several world premieres, including the premiere of Hans Werner Henze's opera "The Bassarids" at the Salzburg Festival in 1966. In addition to her work as a conductor, Rossbacher was also a composer. She wrote several pieces for orchestra, including a symphony and a violin concerto. Her compositions were well-received, and she was awarded several prizes for her work. Throughout her career, Rossbacher was recognized for her contributions to the world of music. She was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art in 1970 and was made an honorary member of the Vienna State Opera in 1989. She also received several honorary doctorates from universities in Austria and Germany. Rossbacher continued to conduct and compose music until her death on December 17, 2009, at the age of 80. She left behind a legacy of exceptional performances and groundbreaking achievements, and she will always be remembered as one of the most talented and innovative conductors of her time.

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