Leinsdorf, Erich

LEINSDORF, ERICH (1912–1993), conductor. Born in Vienna, Leinsdorf was assistant conductor to Bruno Walter and Toscanini at the Salzburg Festival (1934–37), and conducted in Italy, France, and Belgium. After settling in the United States in 1937, he conducted German works at the Metropolitan Opera, New York, until 1943, and then served there as musical consultant. He was appointed director of the New York City Opera in 1955 and of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1962, and later returned to the Metropolitan Opera.