Kurt Sanderling was born in 1912 in Berlin, where he still lives. He retired from conducting in 2002. He only made his debut with the BBC Northern Symphony in 1975.

Sanderling has had a most distinguished career as Co-Conductor of the Leningrad Philharmonic with Mrvavinsky (1942-1960), as Music Director of the Berliner Sinfonie-Orchester (1960-1977), as Chief Conductor of the Dresden Staatskapelle (1964-1967) and as Conductor Emeritus of the Philharmonia (1992). He made many appearances at Europe’s leading music festivals – Vienna, Salzburg, Prague and Edinburgh. He also worked with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Cleveland Orchestras.

This stereo recording has never been issued before.

As Sanderling states in his interview, he enjoyed live performances far more than the studio. This live concert performance in Newcastle proves the point.

Sanderling’s German tradition brings great insights to Bruckner’s 3rd Symphony, though he conducted the composer rarely (Symphony No.7 being the exception).

Recorded: Civic Centre, Newcastle, 21 April 1978.

Bonus: 10 minute interview in which Sanderling talks about his career and his great admiration for Otto Klemperer.
Interviewer: Piers Burton-Page
BBC Studios, 21 July 1982