This early start in Bucharest provided the foundation for a career that spanned continents, characterized by a transition from the Romanian National Opera to significant tenures with prominent orchestras in Israel, Sweden, and North America.
Early Career and Migration
Born in Bucharest in 1928, Comissiona began formal violin studies at age five. Following his tenure with the Romanian National Opera between 1955 and 1959, he departed the country to escape the Communist regime. Upon settling in Israel in 1960, he established the Ramat Gan Chamber Orchestra and directed the Haifa Symphony Orchestra until 1966.
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Comissiona made his American debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1965 and relocated to the United States in 1968. He is best known for his 15-year association with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra beginning in 1969. During this period, he oversaw the ensemble's first international tour and initial commercial recordings, elevating its status from a local group to a nationally recognized institution. He later served as music director for the New York City Opera and the Houston Symphony.
International Orchestral Work
Beyond his American commitments, Comissiona held long-standing European roles. He served as music director of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in Sweden from 1966 to 1977 and became chief conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic in 1982. From 1990 to 1998, he led the RTVE Symphony Orchestra in Madrid. His international influence continued through his leadership of the Asian Youth Orchestra.
Repertoire and Recognition
He was a proponent of modern compositions, notably conducting the first performance of Rued Langgaard's Music of the Spheres in 1968, a work unheard since 1922. He also premiered symphonies by Allan Pettersson, who dedicated his ninth symphony to the conductor. Comissiona received the Ditson Conductor's Award and was named a Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. In 1976, he and his wife were granted American citizenship at a ceremony at Fort McHenry.
Fast facts
- Born: 1928, Bucharest
- Died: 2005, Oklahoma City
- Primary Occupations: Conductor, violinist
- Citizenships: United States, Romania, Israel
- Notable Education: New England Conservatory
- Major Awards: Ditson Conductor's Award, Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
Questions readers ask
Where did Comissiona spend his final years?
He was a longtime resident of New York City and served as the conductor of the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music Symphony from 1997 until his death.
How did Comissiona die?
He died of a heart attack in Oklahoma City in 2005, only hours before he was scheduled to perform.
Achievements
- Instruments: violin
- Genres: classical music
