Barenboim, Daniel

(born Nov. 15, 1942, Buenos Aires, Arg.) Argentine-born Israeli pianist and conductor. A prodigy, he made his debut at age eight. His family moved to Israel in 1952, and he first performed in the U.S. at Carnegie Hall in 1957. As a pianist he became known for his colourful interpretations of Classical and Romantic composers. He started conducting professionally in 1962 and led the English Chamber Orchestra (1964–75) and the Orchestre de Paris (1975–89). He became principal conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1991 and was appointed music director of the Berlin State Opera in 1992. He has been a prominent advocate for peace in the Middle East.

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