Longtime Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra conductor Raymond Leppard dies

Raymond Leppard, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's conductor laureate and longtime music director, has died. He was 92. 

The orchestra announced the news Tuesday afternoon. Leppard died earlier that day in Indianapolis, surrounded by his closest friends and husband, John Bloom, according to a statement from the orchestra.

"The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra family is heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend and Conductor Laureate Raymond Leppard,” CEO James Johnson said. "By making Indianapolis his permanent home, Maestro Leppard was able to serve as a champion of classical music in this city, conducting concerts, teaching, and inspiring others to cherish the music he loved. He put an indelible stamp on this city and this orchestra."

The conductor served in the role of music director from 1987 to 2001. He's known for directing eight recordings, beginning the tradition of a gala to open each season and starting "Indianapolis On-The-Air," a syndicated radio performance broadcast. He worked with the English Chamber Orchestra and conducted the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic and BBC Symphony, among others.

Leppard's legacy includes his work reviving Baroque operas by Cavalli and Monteverdi. For his work on Italian music, the Republic of Italy granted him the title of Commendatore della Republica Italiana. The conductor, who was born in 1927 in London, taught at Cambridge beginning in the late 1950s and fused his experience in academia and as a performer throughout his career. He continued to live in Indianapolis until his death.

Leppard's compositions included the film scores for "Lord of the Flies," "Laughter in the Dark" and "Hotel New Hampshire."

“He uplifted the ISO with striking artistic insight and inspiration, and touched so many people through his love and stewardship of classical music," music director Krzysztof Urbański said in a statement.

The Queen of England bestowed the title of Commander of the British Empire upon Leppard. His recordings were well-received and earned him prizes as well, including the Deutsche Schallplattenpreis, a Grammy Award, a Grand Pro/Am Music Prix du Disque and the Edison Prize.

Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.