wfn.org | International Conductor Received Honorary Doctorate

["Christian B. Schäffler" <APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com>]

October 22, 1999
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland

International Conductor Received Honorary Doctorate in Sweden

Gothenburg, Sweden. (APD)  On October 23, 1999 the University 
of Gothenburg's Arts Faculty has confered an Honorary Doctor of 
Philosophy on one of Sweden's most eminent international 
conductors, Herbert Blomstedt (72).

Ten years of his life were spent conducting the world-renowned 
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. In the 90s he also 
conducted the Symphony Orchestra of the North German Radio. 
In 1998 Blomstedt suceeded the famous Kurt Masur as 
"Gewandhauskapellmeister"  (conductor) of the Leipzig Orchestra 
House (Gewandhaus).

The citation notes his efforts in championing Swedish and 
Norwegian music from all periods.  At the same time he is one of 
the key people in promoting modern Swedish music.

The Faculty Committee also emphasised his support of his 
hometown, Gothenburg.  Blomstedt supported the university in 
the 60s when they were building up the music department.  He 
also regularly appears as a guest director with the Gothenburg 
Symphony Orchestra. 

Blomstedt, a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has 
now retired and currently lives in Lucerne, Switzerland, with his 
wife Traute. They have four daughters.

At the same time the University of Gothenburg's Medical Faculty 
has confered also an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy on Sweden's 
Queen Sylvia.