Iturbi << ee TOOR bee >>, José (1895-1980), was a Spanish pianist and conductor. He was born on Nov. 28, 1895, in Valencia, Spain. He first studied piano at the conservatory there. Later, he studied at the Paris Conservatory. He was head of the piano department of the Geneva (Switzerland) Conservatory from 1919 to 1923. Iturbi made his American debut in 1929 and played with several major symphony orchestras. He began conducting in 1933 in Mexico City. He served as conductor of the Rochester (New York) Philharmonic Orchestra from 1936 to 1944. Iturbi made guest appearances in several Hollywood musical motion pictures during the 1940’s. He often performed in concerts with his sister, Amparo, who was also a classical pianist. Iturbi died on June 28, 1980.
