Music Director Leonard Slatkin is internationally recognized as a celebrated musician and champion of American music and musicians. Now entering his 11th season with the NSO, he is lauded for leading the Orchestra on triumphant tours through Europe, Asia and the US, as well as nationally acclaimed festivals, broadcasts, and recordings. His imaginative programming and interpretations of a vast range of repertoire have been praised and awarded nationally and internationally. Mr. Slatkin and the Orchestra have been celebrated by the White House for their advocacy of America's artistic heritage, and Mr. Slatkin has been recognized with numerous honors and awards, including the National Medal of the Arts and the American Symphony Orchestra League's Gold Baton for service to American music. Mr. Slatkin has regularly appeared over the last two decades with the world's major orchestras and opera companies, including the New York and Berlin Philharmonics, the Chicago Symphony, and Concertgebouw Orchestra, as well as the Metropolitan Opera and Vienna State Opera. A recent highlight is a tour with the Pittsburgh Symphony, stepping in at the last minute to replace Sir Andrew Davis. Mr. Slatkin is Principal Guest Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He is Conductor Laureate of the Saint Louis Symphony and the Music Advisor to the Nashville Symphony. In addition to his conducting appearances, Mr. Slatkin is a frequent host of musical broadcasts, which include the BBC, lending his broad knowledge and expertise. Mr. Slatkin's extensive discography of more than 100 recordings have been recognized with nine Grammy Awards and more than 60 Grammy nominations. As a staunch advocate for arts education, Mr. Slatkin actively shares his time within the academic community through benefit performances and personal appearances. He works frequently with youth orchestras across America and abroad, including the DC Youth Orchestra. His numerous honorary degrees, including an honorary doctorate from his alma mater Juilliard, are a testament not only to his artistry, but his commitment to community service as well. Mr. Slatkin is the founder and director of the National Conducting Institute, a groundbreaking program established to prepare gifted conductors for work with major orchestras. Through the Institute, his work in Saint Louis and with the NSO, and his active commissioning of American music, Mr. Slatkin has made enduring contributions to the nation's orchestral life. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.