The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is deeply saddened to learn today of the death of Yuri Temirkanov, who served as the RPO’s Principal Guest Conductor from 1979 and the Orchestra’s Principal Conductor from 1992–1998.

This rich artistic partnership began in the recording studio in 1977 when EMI commissioned Maestro Temirkanov and the RPO to record Rachmaninov’s Symphony No.2, which led immediately to the Orchestra giving him a title and put in train a large discography of recordings which included all the Tchaikovsky symphonies and the complete series of Stravinsky ballets. Alongside performances in London, the RPO toured extensively to Europe, Russia, the USA and the Far East, with Temirkanov at the helm, delighting audiences with performances that combined brilliance, polish, spontaneity and passion. Maestro Temirkanov won universal respect from the RPO’s musicians through the trust he developed, allowing each player to draw from his inspiration and perform at their best.

The musicians and staff at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra send their deepest condolences to Maestro Temirkanov’s family.

The RPO will announce in due course a concert dedicated to the memory of Maestro Temirkanov. More details to follow.