Leopold Stokowski

Leopold Stokowski was among the most important and influential conductors of the 20th century -- famed for the richly seductive sound of his ensembles, he was also a tireless promoter of new music, premiering key works from composers including Mahler, Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff. Born April 18, 1882 in London, Stokowski later studied at the Paris Conservatory, and upon relocating to the U.S. in 1905 signed on as organist and choirmaster at St. Bartholomew's Church in New York City. Four years later he began his conducting career with the Cincinnati Symphony, and in 1912 he acce...