Eugene Ormandy

Full Name: Jenő Blau
Profession: Violinist and Conductor

Biography: Eugene Ormandy was a Hungarian-born conductor best known for his work with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He served as the music director of the orchestra for 44 years, from 1936 to 1980, making it one of the longest continuous relationships between an orchestra and conductor in history.

Ormandy began studying violin at the Royal National Hungarian Academy of Music at the age of five. He made his debut as a violinist at nine and graduated at fourteen with a master's degree in violin and composition. He eventually moved to the United States and joined the faculty at the Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music.

Ormandy was appointed the conductor of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1931, where he quickly gained a reputation. In 1936, he became the associate conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, working under Leopold Stokowski, and he assumed the role of music director the following year.

Under Ormandy's leadership, the Philadelphia Orchestra became known for its distinctive, "Philadelphia Sound," characterized by a lush string sound and a high level of precision. He made numerous recordings with the orchestra, and they toured extensively in the United States and abroad.

Ormandy's numerous awards and honors include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Kennedy Center Honors, and honorary doctorates from several universities.

Born: November 18, 1899
Birthplace: Budapest

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: March 12, 1985 (aged 85)
Cause of Death: Pneumonia