Arts Features

World-renowned composer, conductor, and pianist André Previn has died at the age of 89 . During his wide-ranging career, Previn wrote Oscar-winning movie scores, played piano on noted jazz recordings, conducted pretty much all the top orchestras. His compositions included an opera version of A Streetcar Named Desire, written for Renée Fleming in the starring role. And in 2014, he wrote a piece for the Eastman Wind Ensemble: Music for Wind Orchestra (No Strings Attached). When he visited for the premiere, Previn was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Rochester, and worked with students at the Eastman School of Music. Here is a remembrance, with selections from our interview during his time in Rochester. You can also listen to more of what he said about his experiences in music, along with some words of advice for music students in the extended interview here: Celebrating Andre Previn at 85 .