Sir Georg Solti

(1912–1997)

Sir Georg Solti — one of the towering conductors of the 20th century. Principal conductor of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (1961–1971), then Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1969–1991) and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Winner of 31 Grammy Awards — more than any classical musician in history. Hungarian-born, knighted by the British Crown.

Connection

Thomas McNeill is Solti's godson. During Thomas's high school study abroad in London, Solti hosted him. This makes Herbert — who met Thomas at Joel Anderson's wedding in 1993 — one degree from one of the greatest conductors who ever lived.

Why Herbert Would Be Delighted

Solti's tenure at the Chicago Symphony is legendary, and his recordings of Wagner, Mahler, and Beethoven defined what orchestral music sounded like for millions of Americans. For Herbert, who grew up in the Midwest and has a lifelong connection to music, this connection closes a cultural gap in a deeply personal way.