A Salute to Slava: Christoph Eschenbach

Mstislav Rostropovich – globally recognized both for his formidable musical gifts and as an ardent advocate for human rights – was music director of the National Symphony Orchestra from 1977 until 1994. His tenure proved to be one of the most glittering periods in the life of the NSO thus far, and saw the introduction of the signature projects that remain an important part of the NSO's life to this day. One example is the John and June Hechinger Commissioning Fund for New Orchestral Works in 1982; this has led to the creation of more than 60 works by more than 50 American composers, including two Pulitzer-Prize winners. The American Residencies, which would take the NSO to 21 states, began during his time, with Alaska and Louisiana.

Touring was a prominent part of Rostropovich's tenure with the NSO: extensive travel around North and South America, four European Tours, the NSO's first visits to Asia, and, in 1990, Rostropovich's triumphant return, at the helm of the NSO, to Russia after 16 years in exile for defending human rights. The capstone, the 1993 Russian visit in which the NSO became the first orchestra ever to perform in Red Square, ensured that the Rostropovich/NSO partnership was one heard around the world. Rostropovich's time as music director had placed the NSO on the artistic map as never before.

Additional support is provided by
Blavatnik Family Foundation
BP plc
VTB Bank

[BytomGirl]

I adore Rostropovich and his wife, soprano Galina Vishnevskaya. What an amazing couple they were. Wonderful artists and human beings and had a rare, perfect marriage