Walter Hendl

Renowned American Conductor and Pianist

Walter Hendl (1917–2007) was an American conductor, pianist, and composer known for his work in both symphonic and operatic realms. He served as the assistant conductor of the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini and later became the music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra from 1949 to 1958. Hendl held a significant position as the music director of the Eastman School of Music from 1964 to 1972, where he also conducted the Eastman Philharmonia. His tenure with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as associate conductor and later as resident conductor from 1958 to 1964 further solidified his reputation in the classical music world.