Eugene Ormandy, born Jenő Blau in Budapest, Austria-Hungary, became a Hungarian-born American conductor and violinist whose name is almost synonymous with the Philadelphia Orchestra. His remarkable 44-year tenure as the orchestra's music director stands as one of the longest associations between any conductor and an American orchestra. During this extensive period, Ormandy cultivated a reputation as both a skilled technician and an expert orchestral
builder, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music world through numerous recordings and acclaimed performances.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Ormandy's musical journey began remarkably early. Born on November 18, 1899, to Jewish parents Benjamin Blau, a dentist and amateur violinist, and Rozália Berger, he received his first violin lessons from his father at the tender age of three and a half. His prodigious talent quickly became evident, leading him to enter the Royal National Hungarian Academy of Music at just five years old, making him the youngest student to date at the institution.
From 1909, Ormandy studied under Jenő Hubay, a significant figure in his early development. He successfully completed his finals in chamber music and violin in the spring of 1915. His early career saw him undertaking tours in Hungary and Germany starting in 1917, where he notably served as concertmaster of the Berlin Blüthner Orchestra. Briefly, in 1918, he also held a professorship for violin at his alma mater. Alongside his musical pursuits, Ormandy also pursued a degree in philosophy from 1917 to 1920.
The Philadelphia Orchestra Era
Ormandy's most significant professional relationship was undoubtedly with the Philadelphia Orchestra. His 44-year association as its music director is a testament to his dedication and the orchestra's success under his leadership. This long tenure allowed him to shape the orchestra's sound and repertoire, solidifying its place among the world's premier ensembles.
Under Ormandy's direction, the Philadelphia Orchestra produced a vast catalog of recordings. These recordings, alongside his work as a guest conductor with various European orchestras, garnered him significant recognition. He achieved three gold records and was honored with two Grammy Awards, underscoring the critical and popular success of his musical endeavors. His ability to meticulously craft an orchestral sound and his technical precision were hallmarks of his conducting style, contributing to the orchestra's distinctive and celebrated performances.
Personal Life and Marriages
Beyond his professional achievements, Ormandy's personal life included two marriages. His first marriage was to Stephanie Goldner on August 8, 1922. Goldner, a harpist from Vienna, had arrived in New York in 1921 and soon after took a position at the Capitol Theatre, where Ormandy was also a violinist. She later became the only woman on the roster of the New York Philharmonic for over a decade. The couple also performed together on WABC radio, where Ormandy was a staff conductor. They separated in 1946, and their divorce was finalized in August 1947 on grounds of "extreme mental cruelty." Goldner subsequently joined the faculty at the Philadelphia Music Academy.
Ormandy married Margaret Frances Hiltsch on May 15, 1950, in a civil ceremony in Philadelphia. According to a statement from the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, they had been "family friends for many years." Margaret, who had come to the United States from Vienna about 12 years prior and became an American citizen, had a notable background herself. During the war years, she became a licensed pilot in preparation for the WASP training program. When the unit was disbanded, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for two years at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia, in operations work. This second marriage lasted until Ormandy's death in 1985.
