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Julius RudelAmerican opera and orchestra conductor originally from Austria
Date of Birth: 06.03.1921
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Biography of Julius Rudel
- Success at the New York City Opera
- Lincoln Center and Other Achievements
- Recognition and Legacy
- Final Years and Legacy
Biography of Julius Rudel
Julius Rudel, an American conductor of opera and orchestras, was born in Vienna, Austria, on March 6, 1921. He came from a Jewish family and enrolled at the Vienna Music Academy. In 1938, when Austria was annexed by Germany, Rudel emigrated to the United States at the age of 17. He studied at the Mannes College of Music in New York City and became a part of the New York City Opera.

Success at the New York City Opera
Rudel's fruitful 35-year musical career began at the New York City Opera in 1944. Rising through the ranks, he became the principal conductor and general director in 1957. He helped the New York City Opera gain international recognition through his innovative transformation program. Under his leadership, three opera seasons from 1958 to 1960 were dedicated entirely to American operas. Rudel established a partnership with Beverly Sills, an opera singer known for her incredible bel canto technique. Sills became the leading soprano in the maestro's opera company.

Lincoln Center and Other Achievements
Rudel influenced the relocation of his opera troupe to their new home at the Lincoln Center in 1966. The inaugural production in the new theater was "Don Rodrigo" by Ginastera, featuring a young Plácido Domingo. In 1979, Rudel accepted the position of music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, previously led by Michael Tilson Thomas. He also served as a conductor in prestigious orchestras and opera houses worldwide.
Recognition and Legacy
Between 1958 and 1963, Rudel frequently conducted the Philadelphia Lyric Opera Company and occasionally served as its artistic director. In 1978, he made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera conducting the lyrical drama "Werther." Rudel was a patron of Delta Omicron, an international professional music fraternity. In 2009, he received an award from the American National Endowment for the Arts for his significant contribution to the opera art form.
Final Years and Legacy
Eight months before his death, Rudel witnessed the closure of the New York City Opera, which declared bankruptcy. He expressed disbelief that he had outlived his own creation. Julius Rudel passed away on June 26, 2014, at the age of 94 in his Manhattan home.