SLATKIN, LEONARD

SLATKIN, LEONARD (1944– ), U.S. conductor. Born in Los Angeles into a distinguished musical family, he studied violin, viola, piano, and composition. He took conducting lessons at Indiana University (1962) and Los Angeles City College (1963), continuing his training with susskind at Aspen (1964) and with Morel at the Juilliard School of Music (1964–68). Slatkin made his Carnegie Hall debut at age 22. He was associated with the Saint Louis SO (1968–96) and became its music director in 1979. Under his direction the orchestra became a leading American ensemble. He was appointed musical director of the New Orleans Philharmonic SO (1977–79) and music director of the BBC SO (2000–4). In 1996 he became music director of the National SO of Washington. He has been guest conductor with major U.S. and European orchestras, festivals, and opera companies, making numerous recordings and appearances in radio and television programs. Slatkin combines the roles of internationally celebrated conductor, staunch advocate for music education, and champion of American music. He is known for his sure command of form and superb performances, for his adventurous programming, and for his interpretations of 20th-century American music as well as of the standard classical repertory. He worked with student orchestras and became in 2000 the director of the National Conducting Institute, a school that trains young music directors. Among his honors are Grammy awards, the National Medal of the Arts, and honorary doctorates as well as honors for his artistic contributions and for his work in the community. -BIBLIOGRAPHY: Grove Music Online; G. Crankshaw, "Leonard Slatkin: American Champion of English Music," in: Musical Opinion, 114 (Nov. 1991), 398–99. (Naama Ramot (2nd ed.)