Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

1911

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Enrique Jorda was a Spanish conductor and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music during the 20th century. Born on February 14, 1902, in San Sebastian, Spain, Jorda showed an early interest in music and began studying piano and composition at a young age. He later went on to study at the Madrid Conservatory and the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin. Jorda's career as a conductor began in the 1920s when he was appointed as the conductor of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. He quickly gained a reputation for his skill and talent, and in 1930, he was appointed as the conductor of the Madrid Symphony Orchestra. During his time in Madrid, Jorda also worked as a composer, writing several works for orchestra and chamber ensembles. In 1935, Jorda moved to the United States, where he became the conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. He remained in this position for 18 years, during which time he helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading ensembles in the country. Jorda was known for his innovative programming and his commitment to contemporary music, and he conducted many premieres of works by American composers. One of Jorda's most significant achievements as a conductor was his work with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra on the soundtrack for the film "The Song of Bernadette." The film, which was released in 1943, won four Academy Awards, including Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, which was awarded to Jorda. Jorda's tenure with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra came to an end in 1954 when he was appointed as the conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He remained in this position for four years before returning to Spain, where he became the conductor of the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. During his time in Barcelona, Jorda continued to be an advocate for contemporary music, and he conducted many premieres of works by Spanish composers. He also worked to establish the orchestra as one of the leading ensembles in Europe, and he led the orchestra on several international tours. Jorda's career as a conductor came to an end in 1967 when he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed. He continued to work as a composer, however, and he wrote several works for orchestra and chamber ensembles during his later years. Throughout his career, Jorda received many honors and awards for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1951, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the City of San Francisco, and in 1953, he was awarded the Order of Isabella the Catholic by the Spanish government. He was also a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Barcelona. Enrique Jorda died on September 18, 1996, in San Sebastian, Spain, at the age of 94. He is remembered as a talented conductor and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music during the 20th century.

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