Serge Koussevitzky

Renowned Russian-born Conductor and Double Bassist

Serge Koussevitzky was a prominent Russian-born conductor, composer, and double bassist. Born on July 26, 1874, in Vyshny Volochyok, Russia, he is best known for his long tenure as the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1924 to 1949. Koussevitzky was a champion of modern music, commissioning and performing works by contemporary composers. He founded the Koussevitzky Music Foundation to support the commissioning of new works and also established the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts, which became a prestigious summer music academy and festival. His influence extended well beyond his own performances, as he played a significant role in shaping the course of American classical music in the first half of the 20th century. Koussevitzky passed away on June 4, 1951, leaving behind a legacy as one of the great conductors of his time.