ON THIS DAY | Conductor Georges Prêtre Was Born in 1924

The French conductor was known for his seven-decade career and close associations with the world's top orchestras and soprano Maria Callas

French orchestral and operatic conductor Georges Prêtre was born on this day in 1924.

Throughout his seven-decade career, he led many of the world’s finest orchestras — including New York’s Metropolitan Opera, Opéra-Comique, La Scala, the Vienna Symphony, Paris Opera, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Prêtre specialized in French music but was highly regarded for his interpretations of a far wider range of repertoire.

Prêtre twice conducted the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Day Concerts in 2008 and 2010. 

ERICK FRIEDMAN | BRUCH VIOLIN CONCERTO | 3RD MVT | GEORGES PRÊTRE & ORCHESTRE NATIONAL DE FRANCE | 1964