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Kurtz, Efrem, 1900-1995

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: November 7, 1900 - June 27, 1995

Biography

Efrem Kurtz was born November 7, 1900 in St. Petersburg, Russia. He attended St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he studied under Nikolay Tcherepnin and Alexander Glazunov. He continued his education at Riga University located in Latvia, and then relocate to Berlin, where he studied at the Stern Conservatory.

In 1924-1933, Kurtz became the musical director of the Stuttgart Philharmonic. In 1933, Kurtz engagement with the Stuttgart Philharmonic came to a closed when he became the new musical director for the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. Nonetheless, his stay with the company was not permanent, he stayed on as the musical director from 1933-1941 and then relocated to the United States in 1943. A year later in 1944, Kurtz became a United States citizen.

While living in the United States, Kurtz became the musical director of the Kansa City Symphony, which he held from 1943-1947. Then in 1948-1954, he relocated to Houston and became the musical director of the Houston Symphony. He left his position in Houston and traveled to England in 1955 and became one of the musical directors for the Liverpool Philharmonic. During the latter part of Kurtz career, he held various positions oversees and in the United States.

Efrem Kurtz died June 27, 1995 in London.

Sources: - Goodwin, Noël. “Kurtz, Efrem.” Grove Music Online. Ed. L. Macy. 30 May 2008. /www.grovemusic.com>. - Kozinn, Allan. “Efrem Kurtz, 94, a Conductor In Europe, Kansas and Houston.” New York Times. 29 June 1995. 7 April 2008 /www.nytimes.com>.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

American Composers Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0078
Scope and Contents

The American Composers Collection includes material related to over 150 composers, including manuscript music scores, programs, correspondence, news clippings, and other items. Material varies with composer, from a single item to several folders. The collection was amassed from various donations to the University of Missouri-Kansas City before being given to the Dr. Kenneth J. LaBudde Department of Special Collections. Provenance is noted when known.

Dates: 1813 - 2006

Efrem Kurtz, 1944-1948

 Series
Scope and Contents From the Collection:

The American Composers Collection includes material related to over 150 composers, including manuscript music scores, programs, correspondence, news clippings, and other items. Material varies with composer, from a single item to several folders. The collection was amassed from various donations to the University of Missouri-Kansas City before being given to the Dr. Kenneth J. LaBudde Department of Special Collections. Provenance is noted when known.

Dates: 1944-1948

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Subject
Art music 1
Music 1