Erich Kunzel, conductor of Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, dies at 74
By APTuesday, September 1, 2009
Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops director, dies at 74
CINCINNATI — Erich Kunzel, the longtime conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, has died. He was 74.
Kunzel has been the Cincinnati Pops’ conductor since it was established in 1977. He won international fame through sales of more than 10 million recordings and conducting appearances worldwide.
Kunzel was diagnosed with liver, colon and pancreatic cancer in April, but continued conducting while undergoing treatment. An orchestra spokesman says Kunzel died Tuesday morning at a hospital near his home in Swan’s Island, Maine.
Besides the Cincinnati Pops, Kunzel had led the National Symphony in nationally televised Memorial Day and July 4 concerts since 1991.
He also had homes in Naples, Fla., and Newport, Ky., and is survived by his wife, Brunhilde.
