Herbert Kegel

Renowned German Conductor and Classical Music Interpreter

Herbert Kegel was a distinguished German conductor known for his interpretations of contemporary music as well as his command of the classical and romantic repertoires. Born on July 29, 1920, in Dresden, he developed a significant career in the former German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Kegel was particularly associated with the Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra (now known as the MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra), which he led from 1949 to 1977. His tenure there was marked by a commitment to both the standard orchestral literature and avant-garde compositions, making him a pivotal figure in the performance of 20th-century music.