ABSTRACT
French composer and conductor, born in Motbrisson. He studied composition at the Paris Conservatory, graduating in 1945. He became a theater and ballet conductor, then directed major orchestras and opera companies in Europe and the U.S. In 1971 he was appointed music director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and began a vigorous promotion of 12-tone and avant-garde works. His choice of repertoire brought mixed reactions from the concert subscribers, and his tenure in New York ended in 1978. Thereafter, he was active as an opera conductor while also devoting himself to electronic composition. In 1995, he was named principal guest conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
