The key facts

  • Herbert Blomstedt died on November 4 at the age of 99 in Gothenburg
  • His death was announced by the KünstlerSekretariat am Gasteig agency
  • In recent months he had been canceling concerts due to health, but planned to keep conducting past the age of 100

Herbert Blomstedt has died

Swedish conductor Herbert Blomstedt died on November 4 at the age of 99, that is, in his 100th year of life. According to Life.ru, he spent his final hours at his home in Gothenburg, surrounded by loved ones. The death of the musician was announced by the KünstlerSekretariat am Gasteig agency, which represented his interests; the same information is reported by Gazeta.Ru.

Career and recognition

The agency's statement notes that over his long career Blomstedt earned «unqualified recognition in the musical world» thanks to his respect for the composer's intent, his impeccable knowledge of the scores, his musicianship, discipline and modesty. The agency's director, Lothar Schacke, said: «Every meeting with him was a true gift. His warmth, deep knowledge, wisdom and subtle sense of humor enriched us all — both spiritually and as human beings».

Biography

Blomstedt was born on July 11, 1927 in Springfield, USA, to a Swedish family. He studied in Stockholm and at Uppsala University, then in the United States and Switzerland; among his mentors was Leonard Bernstein. The conductor made his debut in 1954 with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. He later led the San Francisco Symphony and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Blomstedt was known for his performances of Beethoven, Bruckner, Brahms and Mendelssohn, as well as for popularizing Scandinavian music, including works by Sibelius and Nielsen. He was a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and received a number of state and musical honors.

Final months

In recent months Blomstedt had been canceling concerts due to declining health, but, according to Life.ru, he said more than once that he would like to keep conducting even after his centenary.