Erich Kunzel, the conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, has died after losing a four month battle with cancer, he was 74.
Despite beginning as a chemistry major, Kunzel switched to studying music while at Dartmouth College, and spent some years studying the subject, at Harvard and Brown universities as well as Dartmouth, and at one point worked for French conductor Pierre Monteux.
He quickly became a professional conductor, and joined the Cincinnati Pop Orchestra, who generally perform popular songs and showtunes, early on in his career in 1965, initially as an Associate Conductor. He quickly became committed to the 'pops style' of classical music, and won acclaim around the world for his work in this area, remaining with the Cincinnati organisation for the rest of his life.
Paying tribute, the orchestra's Music Director Paava Jarvi is quoted by Billboard thus: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and colleague Erich Kunzel. He was a remarkable spirit and a tremendous musician. His many years of music making with the Cincinnati Pops brought joy to literally millions, and I join with our community in Cincinnati as well as his fans around the world in mourning the loss of this great musical icon".
Kunzel is survived by his wife, Brunhilde.