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Paul SacherSwiss conductor, music teacher and philanthropist
Date of Birth: 28.04.1906
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Paul Sacher: A Maestro of Modern Music
- Musical Innovations
- Schola Cantorum Basiliensis:
- Collegium Musicum Zurich:
- Championing New Compositions
- Paul Sacher Foundation
- Legacy
Paul Sacher: A Maestro of Modern Music
Early Life and EducationPaul Sacher, a Swiss conductor, music educator, and philanthropist, was born into a wealthy family. His marriage in 1934 to Maya Hoffmann-Stehlin, widow of the pharmaceutical giant "Hoffmann-La Roche," made him one of the richest men in Switzerland. With this newfound fortune, Sacher gained immense influence in the musical world.
He studied musicology under Jacques Handschin and conducting under Felix Weingartner at the Basel Conservatory.
Musical Innovations
Founding Ensembles:In 1926, Sacher founded and led the Basel Chamber Orchestra, which juxtaposed early classical works with contemporary pieces. The following year, he established the Basel Chamber Choir, both of which remained under his direction until their dissolution in 1987.
Schola Cantorum Basiliensis:
In 1933, Sacher founded the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, an institution dedicated to the study and performance of early music. It later became part of the Basel Music Academy, where Sacher served as director for 15 years.
Collegium Musicum Zurich:
Sacher founded another orchestra, the Collegium Musicum Zurich, in 1941.
Championing New Compositions
Sacher's influence extended beyond the ensembles he conducted. He commissioned new works from renowned composers, including Igor Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, Béla Bartók, and Arthur Honegger. Some of the most notable works commissioned by Sacher include Bartók's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta" and Stravinsky's "The Rake's Progress."
Paul Sacher Foundation
In 1973, Sacher established the Paul Sacher Foundation, which became one of the most significant music archives in Europe. It acquired the archives of Igor Stravinsky, Anton Webern, and Bruno Maderna.
Legacy
Paul Sacher remained an influential figure in the Swiss and international music scene until his death in 1999. His numerous contributions, including his pioneering orchestras, the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, and his commissions for new works, left a lasting legacy on the development of modern music.
