Karajan - Chief Musical Director Of Europe
Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989) was called the “chief musical director of Europe” as he advanced from his hometown of Salzburg in a stellar career to hold the most critical positions in classical music: after co-creating and forming the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, he became principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic for life in 1955. At that time he was already a regular conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic, leading them on an unprecedented world tour in the late 50s, then becoming director of the Vienna State Opera and artistic director of the Salzburg Festival simultaneously. It’s not surprising that Herbert von Karajan was the one who arranged the final movement of Beethoven’s 9th symphony, “The Ode to Joy” in 1972 to become the European Hymn up until today.