Susskind (originally, Süsskind), (Jan) Walter

Susskind (originally, Süsskind), (Jan) Walter distinguished Czech-born English conductor; b. Prague, May 1, 1913; d. Berkeley, Calif., March 25, 1980. He studied composition with Suk and Karel Haba and piano with Hoffmeister at the Prague Cons.; also studied conducting with Szell at the German Academy of Music in Prague, where he made his debut as a conductor in 1934 with La Traviata at the German Opera; also was pianist with the Czech Trio (1933-38). After the German occupation in 1938, he went to London, where he continued to serve as pianist with the exiled Czech Trio until 1942; became a naturalized British citizen in 1946. He was music director of the Carl Rosa Opera Co. in London (1943-45); then went to Glasgow in that capacity with the Scottish Orch. in 1946, remaining with it after it became the Scottish National Orch. in 1950. After serving as music director of the Victoria Sym. Orch. in Melbourne (1953-55), he was music director of the Toronto Sym. Orch. (1956-65), the Aspen (Colo.) Music Festival (1962-68), the St. Louis Sym. Orch. (1968-75), and the Mississippi River Festival in Ed-wardsville, 111. (1969-75); also taught at the Univ. of Southern 111. (1968-75). His last position was that of music adviser and principal guest conductor of the Cincinnati Sym. Orch. from 1978 until his death. Susskind was a highly accomplished conductor, being a technically secure and polished musician. He also composed; among his works are 4 songs for Voice and String Quartet (Prague, Sept. 2, 1935); 9 Slovak Sketches for Orch.; Passacaglia for Timpani and Chamber Orch. (St. Louis, Feb. 24, 1977).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire