Abbado, Claudio, 1933–2014, Italian conductor, b. Milan. He debuted (1960) in his native city, conducting the orchestra at La Scala, where he subsequently served (1968–86) as musical director. He was appointed (1971) permanent conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic and became (1986–91) musical director of the Vienna State Opera. Abbado was also (1979–88) musical director of the London Symphony Orchestra. From 1989 to 2002 he was principal conductor and artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonic. Noted especially for his interpretations of Mahler as well as Rossini and Verdi, Abbado sought to expand the standard classical repertoire, often with contemporary works, and actively encouraged young musicians and composers.
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