Wolfgang Sawallisch, piano

Wolfgang Sawallisch

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s sixth music director, Wolfgang Sawallisch made his debut as guest conductor in 1966 and nearly 40 years later made his final appearance leading The Orchestra on March 1, 2005, in a program of Grieg’s Piano Concerto with guest pianist Yundi Li and Schubert’s Symphony in C major (“Great”). During his decade as music director he fostered the rich tradition of the ensemble’s legendary Philadelphia Sound while strengthening and securing its artistic future, hiring 40 musicians into the Orchestra. Mr. Sawallisch became conductor laureate of The Philadelphia Orchestra in September 2003, directly following the conclusion of his tenure as music director. He died on February 22, 2013.