Yuri Temirkanov
Russian conductor Yuri Khatuevich Temirkanov was born in Nalchik on 10 December 1938 and studied in Leningrad. His career was launched in 1966 by winning the All-Soviet National Conducting Competition.
He was principal conductor of the Leningrad Symphony Orchestra (1968-76), then music director of the Kirov Opera and Ballet and, from 1988, artistic director and chief conductor of the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
He became the first Russian artist allowed to perform in the USA after cultural relations were resumed with that country in 1988. Later he was music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from 2000 until 2006. He was also principal guest conductor of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and conductor laureate of London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
He was also known for his outspoken views against women conductors.
Yuri Temirkanov died on 2 November 2023, aged eighty-four.
A selection of articles about Yuri Temirkanov
Classical music news - November 2023 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Sound Sense and Nonsense
Ensemble. Sinopoli's Loneliness - A concert in memory of the Italian conductor, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Focused Tone - Lyadov and Tchaikovsky from Leticia Moreno, Yuri Temirkanov and the St Petersburg Philharmonic impress Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Eros and the Almighty - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the 2012 Ravenna Festival
Ensemble. Complex Orchestration - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Verdi Festival, which is short of money but not of ideas
Ensemble. An Icy Reception - Giuseppe Pennisi describes the 2010 Parma Verdi Festival's stormy beginning
CD Spotlight. Quite Magical - Marin Alsop conducts Dvorák Symphonies, enjoyed by Howard Smith. 'The Baltimores' finale sings and blazes with equal compulsion ...'
Ensemble. Darkness to Light - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Ravenna Festival