José Iturbi

Valencia, Spain

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José Iturbi (28 November 1895 – 28 June 1980) was a Spanish conductor and pianist. He appeared in several Hollywood films of the 1940s, notably playing himself in the 1943 musical, Thousands Cheer and in the 1945 film, Anchors Aweigh. He was involved in a complex family custody battle in the 1940s that culminated in his former son-in-law kidnapping Iturbi's two granddaughters.

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Born in Valencia, Spain, of Basque descent, Iturbi studied in Barcelona and at the Valencia and Paris conservatories on scholarship; at this time, he also undertook extensive private studies in keyboard technique and interpretation with the harpsichordist Wanda Landowska. His worldwide concert tours, beginning around 1912, were brilliantly successful. He excelled as an interpreter of French as well as Spanish music. He made his American debut in New York City in 1929. He made his first appearance as a conductor in Mexico City in 1933 when presented by donon Ernesto de Quesada from Conciertos Daniel. He was also conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in upstate New York from 1936 to 1944. He also led the Valencia Symphony Orchestra for many years. He often appeared in concert with his sister, Amparo Iturbi, who was also a renowned pianist.

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Conductor: Conductor may have the following meanings....

Pianist: :This article deals with those who play the piano. For other uses, see pianist (disambiguation)....

José Iturbi related Images and Photos (experimental)

Claude Rich and Marie-José Nat: La Française et L'Amour 1960

Nadja Tiller José Luis de Villalonga and Pierre Brasseur: L'Affaire Nina B. 1961

Jean Gabin Roger Dumas and Marie-José Nat: Rue Des Prairies 1959