Anthony Plog on Music

Conversations with performers, composers, and entrepreneurs

Leonard Slatkin: The Multifaceted Maestro and His Legacy in Music, Literature, and Life

Maestro Leonard Slatkin's illustrious and versatile career as a conductor, author, and teacher spans decades. He's held prestigious positions such as Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, and Orchestre National de Lyon, as well as Chief Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His expertise has also benefited the Nashville Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Philharmonia Orchestra, and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, along with numerous guest conducting engagements worldwide. Beyond the podium, Slatkin is a prolific author of five books and numerous instructional videos on conducting and music. In our two-part discussion, we delve into a myriad of topics, from conducting to his passion for baseball.

Part 1

In Part 1, Maestro Slatkin shares stories from his musical upbringing in Los Angeles, enriched by his family's deep musical roots. He reflects on his formative years studying under renowned mentors Jean Morel and Walter Susskind. We explore his process for learning new pieces and his insights on the unique approaches and sounds of various orchestras. The episode concludes with a poignant recollection of a moving performance of Barber's Adagio for Strings at the BBC Proms on September 15, 2001, just days after the tragic events of 9/11 (see links below).