BREAKING | Conductor Bernard Haitink has Died, Aged 92

As confirmed by his management Askonas Holt, the distinguished Dutch conductor passed away peacefully in his home with his wife

One of the most revered conductors of his generation, Bernard Haitink served as the Chief Conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra for 27 years.

In addition to being Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he also held the Music Director positions at The Royal Opera, Covent Garden, and Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

Maestro Haitink has received many awards and honours in recognition of his services to the music world — including Commander of the Order of the Netherlands Lion, Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France, and an Honorary Companion of Honour in the UK.

Maestro Haitink's other titles include Conductor Emeritus of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Laureate of the European Union Youth Orchestra. He was also an honorary member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Berliner Philharmoniker, and Wiener Philharmoniker — the latter with whom he performed his last concert in September 2019.

He retired in June of 2019 at the age of 90, after a 65-year conducting career.

Released on Challenge Classics, the conductor's final recording featured a performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic.

"Bernard Haitink’s legacy will be his unrivaled interpretations of the great symphonic and operatic masterpieces," a representative from Askonas Holt writes. "We remember Mr. Haitink not only as a legendary musician who made over 450 recordings, but also as a passionate mentor for future generations of conductors, generously offering his time to teaching and masterclasses."

"The world has lost, in my opinion, one of the greatest Bruckner conductors of our time," writes conductor Sascha Goetzel on his Facebook. "An iconic musician without the toxifying "star" attitude — but driven by purity and honesty to the music, serving its ultimate purpose for to give beauty, being in touch with the divine, understanding our ultimate purpose of being part of the infinite circle of life."

"Eternal recognition and admiration for Bernard Haitink one of the most integrity musicians of our time," violinist Renaud Capuçon shared on his social media. "It was an honor to share the stage with him. Affectionate thoughts for his wife Patricia and family."

Our condolences to Maestro Haitink's family, friends, and colleagues.