Slatkin, Leonard (1944-…), is a leading American symphony orchestra conductor. He has won praise for his conducting in a wide range of the symphonic repertoire. In addition to his interpretations of Classical and Romantic composers, Slatkin has also conducted works by many modern American composers, including John Adams, Samuel Barber, John Corigliano, Charles Ives, and Walter Piston.
Slatkin has developed strong relationships with major symphony orchestras in the United States and Europe. He was the music director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Missouri from 1979 to 1996 and served as music director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., from 1996 to 2007. He was chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London from 2000 to 2004. In 2005, Slatkin was appointed principal guest conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. In 2006, he agreed to serve as music adviser to the Nashville Symphony for three years. In 2008, Slatkin became musical director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and principal guest conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Slatkin has also conducted operas for such companies as the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the Lyric Opera in Chicago, and the Vienna State Opera in Austria.
Leonard Edward Slatkin was born on Sept. 1, 1944, in Los Angeles. Felix Slatkin, his father, was a distinguished violinist and conductor. Eleanor Aller, his mother, was a noted cellist. Slatkin studied at several schools, receiving his Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School in 1968.
St. Louis conductor Walter Susskind was an important influence on Slatkin’s early career and appointed him assistant conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in 1968. Slatkin was music director of the New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra from 1977 to 1978 and then took a similar position in St. Louis. During his years in St. Louis, Slatkin turned what had been a regional ensemble into one of the most important orchestras in the United States.
