James DePreist

This American conductor established himself as an important figure despite two major physical ailments, one contracted very early in his career. In addition to his devotion to established composers, James DePreist, nephew of contralto Marian Anderson, showed a strong commitment to American music, frequently performing little-known works and recording a significant number of them. His lengthy tenure as music director of the Oregon Symphony enabled him to develop a special rapport with his players while inviting audiences into an uncommonly imaginative repertory. At the Philadel...