Walter Susskind,
Music Director 1968-1975

When, in 1968, Walter Susskind was named Music Director of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, he was the most accomplished conductor yet to assume the post. Formerly Music Director of the Toronto Symphony and Director of the Aspen Music Festival, Walter Susskind appeared regularly with the major orchestras of Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America. An accomplished composer, pianist, and conductor, Susskind brought a new musical standard to St. Louis. As a friendly and articulate speaker, Susskind immediately appealed to St. Louis audiences. He enjoyed the most civil relationship with the orchestra of any conductor up to that time and continued to build the ensemble in both numbers and quality. It was under his direction that the Saint Louis Symphony came together as a leading American orchestra. A return to the "classics" pleased the audience and the number of subscription concerts began to grow. In addition, several summer festivals were added to the orchestra's schedule, including the Mississippi River Festival at the campus of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

Susskind was also known as a great mentor of young conductors. Two of these, Leonard Slatkin and Gerhardt Zimmermann, both assistant conductors brought on by Susskind, went on to notable careers. A restless person always seeking new challenges, Walter Susskind left the Saint Louis Symphony in 1975. His departure was a blow to the orchestra and community, both of which enjoyed the tremendous growth and artistic accomplishments of their seven years together.