Conductor Lorin Maazel dies at 84

The musician was also a composer, including opera ‘1984’ based on George Orwell’s novel

Composer Lorin Maazel. (CC-BY-SA, via wikipedia)
Composer Lorin Maazel. (CC-BY-SA, via wikipedia)

CASTLETON, Virginia — Conductor and composer Lorin Maazel has died at his home in Virginia while preparing for the annual Castleton Festival. He was 84.

The festival says Maazel died Sunday at Castleton Farms in Rapphannock County from complications following pneumonia. The festival announced Maazel’s death in a statement posted on its website and Maazel’s website.

Maazel founded the festival with his wife, Dietlinde Turban Maazel, in 2009.

He had served as artistic director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, general manager of the Vienna State Opera, and music director of the Radio Symphony of Berlin, the Symphony Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Munich Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic.

He also was a composer. His first opera, “1984,” was based on George Orwell’s novel.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.