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Otmar ZuytnerAustrian conductor.
Date of Birth: 16.05.1922
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Otmar Suitner: A Renowned Austrian Conductor
- Performance and Conducting Career
- Director of Dresden State Opera
- Director of Berlin State Opera
- Legacy and Recognition
- Personal Life
Otmar Suitner: A Renowned Austrian Conductor
Early Life and Musical EducationOtmar Suitner was born on May 16, 1922, in Innsbruck, Austria. His early musical education began as a pianist in Innsbruck. In 1940, he enrolled at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, where he studied piano with Franz Ledwinka and conducting under the renowned Clemens Krauss.
Performance and Conducting Career
Throughout the 1940s, Suitner performed as a concert pianist. However, his conducting debut took place in 1944 when he led a performance of Verdi's "Rigoletto" at the Innsbruck Theater. By 1952, he had transitioned almost exclusively to conducting.
Suitner held the position of Music Director in Remscheid from 1952 to 1957. He then became the conductor of the Rhineland-Palatinate Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanying renowned singers such as Maria Callas.
Director of Dresden State Opera
In 1960, Suitner was appointed as the Director of the Dresden State Opera. He remained in this role until 1964. During his tenure, he conducted numerous operas, including Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen" and Strauss's "Salome."
Director of Berlin State Opera
From 1964 to 1971, Suitner held the position of Director of the Berlin State Opera. He returned to the Opera House from 1974 to 1991 as its General Music Director. Under his leadership, the Opera achieved great success, both nationally and internationally.
Legacy and Recognition
Otmar Suitner is considered one of the leading conductors of the 20th century, particularly renowned for his interpretations of Wagner and Strauss. His extensive discography includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, and many others. He was awarded the GDR State Prize in 1963.
Personal Life
Suitner's wife, Marita, resided with him in East Berlin. However, he maintained a long-term relationship with theater critic Renata Heitzmann in West Berlin, whom he met at the Bayreuth Festival in 1965. Their son, Igor Heitzmann, became a filmmaker and directed a documentary about his father titled "Nach der Musik" in 2006.
