Role

:

Conductor Performer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

December 6, 1893 in Paris, France

Death

:

March 1, 1972 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Vladimir Golschmann was a Russian-born conductor and composer who made a significant impact on the classical music scene in the 20th century. He was born on December 16, 1893, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Golschmann showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and violin at a young age. In 1910, Golschmann entered the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where he studied composition with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and conducting with Felix Blumenfeld. He graduated in 1914 with a degree in composition and began his career as a conductor in Russia. In 1921, Golschmann left Russia and moved to Paris, where he continued his career as a conductor. He quickly established himself as a leading figure in the French music scene and became the conductor of the Concerts Colonne in 1928. He also conducted the Orchestre National de France and the Paris Opera. Golschmann's career in the United States began in 1930 when he was invited to conduct the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He quickly became the orchestra's music director and held the position until 1958. During his tenure, he transformed the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra into one of the leading orchestras in the country. Golschmann was known for his innovative programming and his commitment to contemporary music. He premiered works by many leading composers, including Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg, and Paul Hindemith. He also championed the music of American composers, including Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber. One of Golschmann's most significant achievements was his role in the establishment of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's summer festival, the St. Louis Symphony Society. The festival, which began in 1968, brought together leading musicians from around the world to perform in St. Louis. Golschmann was also a prolific composer, although his compositions are not as well-known as his conducting. He wrote music for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments. His music is characterized by its lyricism and its use of traditional forms and harmonies. Throughout his career, Golschmann received many honors and awards. In 1950, he was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government for his contributions to French music. He also received the Ditson Conductor's Award in 1953 and the Gold Baton Award from the American Symphony Orchestra League in 1966. Golschmann continued to conduct and compose until his death on March 1, 1972, in New York City. He left behind a legacy as a conductor, composer, and champion of contemporary music. His contributions to the classical music world continue to be celebrated today.

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