Herbert Blomstedt: the world's oldest active conductor looks back on his career

Herbert Blomstedt is one of classical music's most unusual personalities. He was born in 1927 and at 93 is one of the world's oldest active conductors. But what sets him apart from many of his conducting colleagues? Blomstedt refutes common conducting clichés to be the star of the show, instead his mission is to bring good music to as many people as possible. And he is still hungry. In the interview, the master confesses: “I like different things. In that way I’m a hopeless youngster.”
The musicians Herbert Blomstedt leads adore him as much as his audience. They appreciate his knowledge, skills and his humility.
Herbert Blomstedt was born in the USA, the son of an Adventist pastor but his family is of Swedish origin. Blomstedt studied under the celebrated Leonard Bernstein, but says he learned nothing musical from the maestro.
Throughout his career he has held chief positions with the Staatskapelle Dresden, San Francisco Symphony and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Today, at the age of 93, he's still not slowing down and is regularly invited to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Herbert Blomstedt on his career, Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Masur, the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, The Berlin Philharmonic, working as a conductor in the former GDR and many other topics.

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