Herbert Blomstedt: The conductor of the century is planning a big birthday!

Herbert Blomstedt: The conductor of the century is planning a big birthday!

In the world of classical music there are names that cannot be ignored. One of these names is Herbert Blomstedt. The 95-year-old conductor, who is considered the longest-serving conductor in his profession, is planning a big celebration for his 100th birthday in 2027. Herbert's life story is as diverse as his musical experiences. Born on July 11, 1927 in Springfield, Massachusetts, he quickly made a name for himself and now conducts between 40 and 50 concerts a year, and in his best times there were even up to 100. World reports that Blomstedt currently resides in Bengtstorp, Sweden, after living in Lucerne for many years.

Another interesting detail about the maestro is his impressive book collection of 30,000 to 40,000 copies, which he meticulously cataloged. He stores these books, including 70 Bibles and valuable works such as those from the Arion Press, at a constant 18 degrees. For Blomstedt, these books are not just objects, but friends with whom he shares his love of literature and culture.

A life for music

Blomstedt grew up in a Protestant parsonage and received his musical training at the Royal Conservatory in Stockholm and at Uppsala University. After studying at the Juilliard School of Music and other important institutions, his debut as a conductor was in 1954 with the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. His remarkable career led him to positions as chief conductor with renowned orchestras, including the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Staatskapelle Dresden.

Throughout his career, Blomstedt has received significant honors, including the Federal Cross of Merit and numerous honorary doctorates. His recordings, many under the Decca and Accentus Music labels, are widely distributed and demonstrate his expertise in classical music.

Personal beliefs and influences

His way of life is particularly noteworthy. Blomstedt is a vegetarian and does not drink alcohol, which underlines his claim to live in balance with himself and his surroundings. Despite recovering from an ear infection that impaired his sense of hearing, his passion for music remains unbroken. His current plans include performing Mendelssohn's Lobgesang Symphony, demonstrating his tireless spirit and dedication to music.

Over the decades, Blomstedt has worked not only as a conductor, but also as a cultural mediator, and is a living example of the connection between music and literature. He has the ability to share with his musicians deeper insights into compositions that go beyond the notes. Through his tireless dedication, he has joined the list of great conductors who have had a decisive influence on classical music, such as Herbert von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein. These conductors are known not only for their technical skills, but also for their emotional depth and ability to captivate audiences Classic radio.

Herbert Blomstedt, a conductor with heart and soul, remains a living legacy of classical music and continues to inspire future generations. His life's work is recorded not only in his numerous awards and recordings, but also in the hearts of his listeners worldwide.