Leon Botstein

Leon Botstein is a multifaceted figure in classical music who wears two main hats: acclaimed conductor and passionate music educator. As music director of the American Symphony Orchestra and The Orchestra Now, he's made waves by dusting off forgotten gems and giving fresh perspectives to standard repertoire – exactly the vibe you hear in recent recordings like the Rubbra & Bliss piano concertos or the exploration of American romanticism in "Bristow & Fry." His knack for musical archaeology shines through projects like "The Lost Generation," which resurrects works by overlooked 20th-century European composers.

When he's not on the podium, Botstein doubles as president of Bard College, where he's built innovative music programs that bridge academia and performance. His recordings often feel like extensions of his classroom – educational but thrilling, like his fiery take on Schubert's "Great" Symphony or his Gershwin interpretations that crackle with jazz-meets-classical energy. Whether he's championing Romantic piano concertos by Ries or unearthing dramatic works like Josef Tal's "Exodus," Botstein approaches every project with a scholar's curiosity and a showman's flair.

Genres

Requiem

Classical

Latest Release

Exodus: Kaufmann • Rubin • Tal

Leon Botstein

Album - 11 Tracks - Released September 20, 2024