Collection: DENNIS RUSSELL DAVIES: THE MUSICAL HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS

Dennis Russell Davies is a distinguished American conductor and pianist, celebrated for his versatility and unwavering commitment to contemporary music alongside the standard repertoire. Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1944, he established himself early in the United States, notably as Music Director of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and as co-founder of the influential American Composers Orchestra (ACO) in 1977.

His career trajectory led him predominantly to Europe, where he has held numerous prestigious posts. These include General Music Director of the Stuttgart State Opera, Chief Conductor of the Beethovenhalle Orchestra Bonn and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. He enjoyed particularly long and fruitful tenures as Chief Conductor of the Bruckner Orchestra Linz and Music Director of the Linz Opera (1997-2017), and later as Chief Conductor of the Sinfonieorchester Basel (from 2009).

Davies is perhaps best known for his close association with composer Philip Glass, having conducted the world premieres of many of his operas (including Akhnaten) and symphonies. However, his advocacy extends far beyond, championing works by Arvo Pärt, Alfred Schnittke, Hans Werner Henze, John Adams, Lou Harrison, and countless others.

Unusually, Davies maintains an active career as a pianist, often performing challenging contemporary solo works or chamber music, sometimes even performing piano concertos from the keyboard while conducting. With an extensive discography that bridges canonical masterpieces and groundbreaking new music, Dennis Russell Davies remains a vital force, shaping musical life on both sides of the Atlantic through his adventurous programming and profound musicianship.