Klaus Tennstedt

Born in east Germany, Klaus Tennstedt conducted throughout his native land but it was not until he moved to the West in 1971 that he started to achieve world recognition. He made his American debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1974 and his London debut was with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1976, his debut with the London Philharmonic Orchestra following in 1977. He had an instant rapport with the London Philharmonic Orchestra that resulted in return invitations and his appointment as the Orchestra’s Principal Conductor and Music Director in 1983. This developed into a unique and remarkable relationship until illness finally brought it to a premature end some ten years later. Klaus Tennstedt died in 1998.

Tennstedt was particularly renowned for his performances of the German repertoire, which he conducted regularly with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall and in the recording studio to huge public acclaim. His energy, musicianship and emotional involvement combined with a rare humility endeared him to audiences and musicians alike.