Boris Goldovsky Russian conductor and radio commentator Date of Birth: 07.06.1908 Country: USA

1. Boris Goldovsky: A Maestro on Both Sides of the Baton
2. Forced into Exile
3. Musical Education and a Turning Point
4. Assistant to Notable Conductors
5. Founding the New England Opera Theater
6. Radio Broadcaster and Author
7. Later Years and Death

Boris Goldovsky: A Maestro on Both Sides of the Baton

Born in Moscow on June 7, 1908, Boris Goldovsky hailed from a Jewish family steeped in musical tradition. His mother, a concert violinist, became his first teacher.

Forced into Exile

In the wake of the 1917 Revolution, the Goldovskys' fortunes plummeted and young Boris accompanied his mother on tours to earn a living. As Bolshevik power took hold, he and his mother fled to Europe, leaving the Soviet Union for good.

Musical Education and a Turning Point

Goldovsky studied piano with Artur Schnabel and conducting with Ernö Dohnányi. His multilingualism proved invaluable as he later translated operas. In 1930, he relocated to Philadelphia and studied with Fritz Reiner, developing a passion for opera under his tutelage.

Assistant to Notable Conductors

Goldovsky's career took him to Cleveland as assistant to Artur Rodziński and then back to Boston as the head of the New England Conservatory's opera department. In 1942, he became director of opera at the Tanglewood Music Center.

Founding the New England Opera Theater

In 1945, Goldovsky established the New England Opera Theater (later renamed the Goldovsky Opera Theater) under the auspices of the New England Conservatory. Over four decades, the company toured extensively and nurtured young singers.

Radio Broadcaster and Author

Goldovsky's encyclopedic knowledge led him to host "The Texaco Opera Quiz" on Saturday broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera. He also authored "Accents on Opera" and the autobiographical "My Road to Opera."

Later Years and Death

He returned to teaching at the Curtis Institute of Music in the late 1970s, retiring in 1985. Boris Goldovsky passed away on February 15, 2001, at the age of 92. His legacy as a prominent figure in American opera continues to resonate.