Luigi von Kunits Austro-Canadian violinist, conductor, composer and music educator Date of Birth: 20.07.1870 Country: Austria

1. Early Life and Education
2. Emigration to the United States and Early Career
3. Return to Europe and Founding of the Academy Quartet
4. Founding of the New Symphony Orchestra
5. Compositions

Early Life and Education

Austro-Canadian violinist, conductor, composer, and music educator. Graduated from the Vienna Conservatory of Music, studied with Jakob Grün, Otakar Ševčík, and Anton Bruckner (composition). Performed his violin concerto with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 21.

Emigration to the United States and Early Career

Traveled to the United States for a concert tour in 1893 and remained in the country, teaching in Chicago. Became concertmaster and assistant conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra while also teaching at the Pittsburgh Conservatory (1896-1910).

Return to Europe and Founding of the Academy Quartet

Toured Europe in 1910-1912. Upon returning to North America, he became a professor at the Canadian Academy of Music in Toronto. Founded the Academy Quartet in 1912 and led it until 1924. Among his students were notable Canadian musicians such as Harry Adaskin, Milton Blackstone, and Jeffrey Waddington.

Founding of the New Symphony Orchestra

Established the New Symphony Orchestra (later renamed the Toronto Symphony Orchestra) in Toronto in 1922 and served as its music director until his death.

Compositions

Kunz's compositions include two violin concertos, a string quartet (1891), Scottish Cradle Song for violin and orchestra (1916), and an alto sonata.