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Walter ZuskindBritish conductor of Czech origin (British citizen since 1946).
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Early Career
- Escape from Czechoslovakia
- British and Australian Career
- American Career
- Notable Recordings
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Jan Walter Susskind was born in Prague on May 1, 1913, to musical parents. His father was a music critic, and his mother was a pianist. Susskind studied at the Prague Conservatory under Josef Suk (composition) and Karel Hofmeister (piano). He also studied conducting with Georg Szell at the German Academy of Music in Prague.
Early Career
Susskind made his conducting debut in 1934 at the German Opera in Prague. From 1933 on, he also performed as a pianist, notably as part of the Czech Trio. During the mid-1930s, Susskind also composed, including his Four Songs for Voice and String Quartet (1935).
Escape from Czechoslovakia
In 1939, Susskind fled Czechoslovakia a few days before the Nazi occupation. He settled in London, where he re-established the Czech Trio and performed with them at the Czechoslovak government-in-exile's headquarters.
British and Australian Career
In 1946, Susskind became the conductor of the Scottish National Orchestra, a position he held until 1952. From 1943 to 1945, he also led the orchestra of a minor London opera house. In 1953, he moved to Australia to conduct the Victorian Symphony Orchestra.
American Career
Susskind moved to the United States in 1955. From 1956 to 1965, he was the music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He then led the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1968 to 1975 and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 1978 to 1979.
Notable Recordings
Among Susskind's most notable recordings are his interpretations of Gustav Holst's "The Planets" and Richard Strauss's "Thus Spake Zarathustra" with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Death and Legacy
Jan Walter Susskind passed away on March 25, 1980, in Berkeley, California. He left behind a legacy as a renowned conductor who made significant contributions to both British and American music.
