Mariss Jansons led the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra from 2003 until his death in 2019, consistently shaping the interpretation of Russian composers and Mahler. A multifaceted figure in classical music, he managed dual citizenships as a Latvian and Russian national while maintaining an extensive international touring schedule that spanned major European and American institutions throughout his career.
Formative Years and Training
Born in Riga in 1943, Jansons was the son of Iraida Jansons and the conductor Arvīds Jansons. Following a move to Leningrad in 1956, he pursued musical studies at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. His education extended to Austria, where he attended the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and refined his skills under Hans Swarowsky and Herbert von Karajan.
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His professional rise began with the Oslo Philharmonic, where he served as music director from 1979 to 2000. He later held the position of music director for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra between 1997 and 2004. His long-term tenure as chief conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra began in 2003, and he served as chief conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra from 2004 to 2015.
International Recognition and Awards
Jansons received numerous accolades for his work, including the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize in 2013 and the Hans von Bülow Medal in 2003. He was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion and held the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. His career included three appearances conducting the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert.
Final Years
Jansons experienced significant health challenges, including a major cardiac event in 1996 while conducting in Oslo, which led to the implantation of a defibrillator. Despite his ongoing health struggles, he remained active in conducting until his final performance at Carnegie Hall on 8 November 2019. He passed away in Saint Petersburg on 1 December 2019 at the age of 76.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Riga
- Died: 2019, Saint Petersburg
- Primary Occupations: Conductor, music educator
- Notable Employer: Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (2004-2015)
- Notable Employer: Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (2003-2019)
- Notable Employer: Oslo Philharmonic (1979-2000)
- Citizenship: Russia, Latvia, Soviet Union
- Religious Affiliation: Lutheranism
Questions readers ask
Which major orchestras did Mariss Jansons lead?
He served as music director or chief conductor for the Oslo Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Where did Mariss Jansons receive his musical training?
He studied at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Achievements
- Bavarian Order of Merit — 2007
- Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 2013
- Instruments: piano and organ
- Genres: classical music
