Leppard, Raymnond John

Related Category: Music: History, Composers, and Performers: Biographies

1927–, English conductor, composer, musicologist, and harpsicordist, grad. Cambridge Univ. A prominent scholar as well as a conductor, he is especially known for “realizing” 17th-century Venetian operas by such composers as Monteverdi and Cavalli. Leppard was the conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra (1959–77) and the BBC Philharmonic (1973–80). Since 1987 he been the music director of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and he is largely responsible for expanding its repertoire, season, and sound, which has become leaner and more elegant under his direction. Leppard has been guest conductor at many major orchestras in the United States and Europe and has long been associated with the Glyndebourne Festivals and Covent Garden.