José

José Iturbi Báguena

Josep Iturbi

Valencia , 28 de novembre de 1895
Los Angeles , 28 de juny de 1980

Composer i Performer

Pianist, composer and conductor

Musician of Basque descent who showed an early musical talent. This talent and a scholarship from the Valencia Provincial Council allowed him to move to Paris to study with Wanda Landowska. In 1933, after becoming a renowned pianist, he made his debut as conductor. Thus, he conducted orchestras such as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (New York) (1936-1944) and the Orquestra Simfònica de València for many years. He participated in American film productions, alongside his sister Amparo, who was also an accomplished pianist. Despite his classical music background, his connection with light music and cinema led him to be more appreciated as a popular music pianist. The conservatory of his hometown Valencia bears his name.