Claudio Abbado

Claudio Abbado made his conducting debut in 1960 at the Teatro alla Scala in his home city of Milan, and was Music Director there from 1968 to 1986. He conducted The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time in 1965, was Music Director of The Vienna State Opera from 1986 to 1991, and in 1987 became that city's "generalmusikdirektor." In 1988 he initiated the Vienna Modern Festival. Abbado was named the permanent conductor and Music Director of The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1989. In 1994 he became Artistic Director of the Salzburg Easter Festival, where The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra has played a major role since the festival's foundation in 1967. Abbado is the founder and Music Director of The European Community Youth Orchestra, as well as The Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. In 1992, he co-founded the "Berlin Encounters," where experienced instrumentalists meet with young and talented musicians. Abbado is also Artistic Director of The Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Recipient of many honors, Abbado holds the "Gran Croce," bestowed by the Italian Republic, the "Cross of the Legion of Honor" (French Minister of Culture), and the "Grosses Verdienstkreuz des Verdienstordens" (Federal Republic of Germany). In 1973, The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra awarded him the "Ring of Honor" and in 1980 the "Golden Nicolai Medal." In 1985 he received the Gold Medal of the International Gustav Mahler Society. On the 30th anniversary of the Salzburg Easter Festival, Abbado was presented with the "Goldenes Ehrenzeichen" by the state of Salzburg. He holds honorary doctorates from the Universities of Aberdeen, Ferrara and Cambridge, and in Vienna he is an honorary member of the "Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde" and of the "Konzerthausgesellschaft." Abbado has recorded for Deutsche Grammophon since 1967. His recordings, which have received many international prizes, include the complete symphonic works of Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Mendelssohn, Schubert and Ravel, and more than a dozen opera recordings. Abbado’s discography also testifies to his ongoing commitment to contemporary music.