Leon Botstein

American conductor and music educator

Leon Botstein is a distinguished American conductor, educator, and scholar. He has been the President of Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, since 1975 and is also the music director and principal conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra. Botstein is known for his innovative programming and for reviving neglected operas and symphonies in his concerts. He has made numerous recordings with the American Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles, often focusing on lesser-known works that he believes deserve greater attention. In addition to his work with professional orchestras, Botstein is the founder and co-artistic director of the Bard Music Festival, which features thematic programming that explores the musical world of a single composer each year. His contributions to music and education have earned him a reputation as a leading figure in both fields.