“Walter Homburger, longtime managing director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, died on July 25 at the age of 95,” writes Susan Elliott in Tuesday’s (7/30) Musical America (subscription required). “One of his country’s most highly regarded music administrators, Homburger first came to the TSO in 1962 and is responsible for bringing Seiji Ozawa, Karel Ancerl, and Sir Andrew Davis to the orchestra as music directors. He is also credited with putting the orchestra on the international map through international tours, such as that to China in 1978, and through his eye for spotting talent…. Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, on January 22, 1924, Homburger moved to Canada in 1940…. Prior to the TSO, he was involved in presenting international classical music artists to Toronto audiences, including Glenn Gould, whose career he is said to have helped through (including a tour to the USSR in the late 1950s). Homburger was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1984.” Toronto Symphony Orchestra CEO Matthew Loden said Homburger “represented a rare mix in one man: He was a brilliant impresario, a strategic leader, and a kind inspiration to all who knew him.” Andrew Davis noted his important role “nurturing Canadian artists.”
Posted July 31, 2019
