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Chief conductor of St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra dies after falling ill on flight to Istanbul

Source: Fontanka

Sergei Stadler, the chief conductor and artistic director of the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, died on April 20 at the age of 63, the Russian news outlet Fontanka reported, citing the press service of the St. Petersburg governor.

Stadler fell ill aboard a flight from St. Petersburg to Istanbul. The plane diverted to Bucharest, where doctors attempted to resuscitate him but were unable to save his life.

A People’s Artist of Russia, Stadler grew up in a family of musicians in Leningrad and began playing the violin at age 5. In 1995, he became the first performer to be given the honor of playing the Guarneri del Gesù violin known as “Il Cannone” in public concerts.

He served as rector of the St. Petersburg Conservatory from 2008 to 2011, and founded and led the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra in 2013.

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