World famous conductor dies from Parkinson’s complications at 88

Kurt Masur, ex-conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, has died from Parkinson’s disease complications at the age of 88 in the US, on 19 December.

Widely considered as one of the best conductors of his time, he led many world-class orchestras including the Gewandhaus Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, London Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de France.

Alan Gilbert, music director of the New York Philharmonic, said: “Kurt Masur’s years at the New York Philharmonic represent one of its golden eras, in which music-making was infused with commitment and devotion — with the belief in the power of music to bring humanity closer together.”

In April 2012 the maestro fell off the stage while conducting, later revealing his advancing Parkinson’s, and eventually retiring the same year.

The New York Philharmonic dedicated their performance of Handel’s Messiah last Saturday (19 December), to the late conductor.