Conductor Gerhardt Zimmermann has Died, Aged 77

The American conductor held posts at the Canton Symphony Orchestra and the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, among others

The conductor Gerhardt Zimmermann has passed away aged 77, following a lung disease.

Born in Van Wert, Ohio, Zimmermann had served as the Music Director of the Canton Symphony Orchestra, also in Ohio, since 1980. During that time, he had attracted a range of high-profile soloists to perform for local audiences, including Andre Watts, Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg.

Zimmermann's first post as a conductor was at the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, where he was Assistant and Associate Conductor between 1974 and 1982. He was also Music Director of the SLSO's Youth Orchestra from 1975-1982, following its founding director Leonard Slatkin.

In addition, Zimmermann held posts at the North Carolina Symphony, the Breckenridge Music Festival, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Zimmermann had originally planned to step down from his position at the Canton Symphony Orchestra in 2026.

"The legacy of Maestro Gerhardt Zimmermann is, and forever will be, a shining beacon of esteemed brilliance that will echo throughout space and time," wrote the Canton Symphony Orchestra on social media. "This may sound superfluous, but it rings especially true if you were lucky enough to witness the musical power and prowess he wielded with gleeful, resolute gumption every time he graced a stage."

"Maestro Zimmermann's contributions have shaped the landscape of classical music and serve as an inspiration for musicians and music lovers alike."