In Friday’s (4/27) New York Times, Paul Vitello writes, “Hugo Fiorato, a former child prodigy who became the conductor of the New York City Ballet and one of its most enduring influences, died on Monday in Boston. He was 98. His death was confirmed by his stepson Jonathan Scott. Mr. Fiorato, who was with City Ballet for 56 years, was a figure of continuity surpassed only by George Balanchine, who founded it in 1948 with Mr. Fiorato’s mentor, the conductor Leon Barzin. Mr. Fiorato held almost every job the company had to offer, starting as its first concertmaster in 1948. … He was associate conductor, tour conductor, summertime conductor at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and principal conductor during the last 15 years of his career, from age 75 to age 90. During off-seasons and leaves of absence he was also chief conductor and musical director of the Boston Ballet, the Houston Ballet and the National Ballet in Washington. He retired from City Ballet in 2004.”
Posted April 27, 2012
