ON THIS DAY | Czech Conductor Rafael Kubelik Died in 1996

He conducted the Czech Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and The Metropolitan Opera, among other ensembles

 

Legendary Czech-born Swiss conductor Rafael Kubelik died on this day in 1996, aged 82.

The son of Bohemian violin virtuoso Jan Kubelik, Rafael Kubelik served distinguished conducting positions with the Czech Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Royal Opera House, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, The Metropolitan Opera, Berliner Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic.

Rafael Kubelik studied composition and conducting at the Prague Conservatory. He left Czechoslovakia following the Communist takeover in 1948 and eventually moved to Switzerland, where he received citizenship in 1973.

During his time with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he resigned over a controversy regarding excessive programming of modern music and staff changes.

 

MAHLER | SYMPHONY NO. 1 IN D MAJOR | RAFAEL KUBELIK & BAVARIAN RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA