Conductor Bernard Haitink Has Officially Conducted His Last Performance

Legendary conductor Bernard Haitink has conducted his final performance - before entering his official retirement

Legendary conductor Maestro Bernard Haitink has this week conducted his final performance - leading the Vienna Philharmonic in a program at the Lucerne Festival on Friday evening, before entering his official retirement.

The 90-year-old Dutch conductor announced in June of this year his intention to finish his 65-year conducting career this week - following a heavy fall on stage at the Concertgebouw Concert Hall last year.

Respected as one of the finest conductors of all time, Maestro Haitink previously served principal conducting positions with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Glyndebourne Opera, Staatskapelle Dresden and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

BRUCKNER | SYMPHONY NO. 7 | BERNARD HAITINK & VIENNA PHILHARMONIC | LUCERNE FESTIVAL | FINAL PERFORMANCE | 2019

A very emotional evening! 90-year-old #BernardHaitink gave his last concert tonight @Vienna_Phil. After a 65 year conducting career, Haitink will take a sabbatical. Thanks for many special moments and unforgettable concert experiences! pic.twitter.com/jY2pLAeqfL

— Lucerne Festival (@LucerneFestival) September 6, 2019

Lucerne. A tired maestro bows out after a stunning concert #haitink pic.twitter.com/MuJdKm57AO

— Guido van Oorschot (@dehandvanguido) September 6, 2019