Koussevitzky Sergei Aleksandrovich

(1874-1951)
Born 14 (26) July 1874 in Vyshniy Volochek. From 1900 to 1924 served as bass player and conductor in Russia and in Europe and then in 1924 became the conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. From 1936 to 1950 (with a break in the war years 1942-1944) Koussevitzky conducted the Boston Orchestra at the Berkshire Music Festival in Tanglvude (near Lenox, pc. Mass.). Thanks to his efforts in 1940 was created Berkshire Music Center - a summer music school associated with the festival. In 1942 began its work Koussevitzky Foundation, one of the areas which has been the support of contemporary art through the works of new orders to American (and foreign) authors. As a conductor Koussevitzky was known, on the one hand, his interpretations of Russian, French and American music, on the other - a frequent inclusion in the Prime program for gifted young composers. Died Koussevitzky in Boston, June 4, 1951.