"The Jesus of music" Leif Segerstam (conductor) dies at 80
Stay tuned with 24 News HD Android App
Finnish conductor Leif Segerstam, who directed orchestras worldwide, wrote more than 370 symphonies, and called himself "the Jesus of music", has died aged 80, Finnish media reported Wednesday.
Segerstam was known for his vibrant personality and temperamental, high-energy performances, his long white hair and beard giving him the air of Santa Claus as he guided musicians through a score.
Finnish public broadcaster YLE announced his death, citing his son Jan who said he passed away after a short illness.
Segerstam guest-conducted orchestras around the world, including the Chicago Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Vienna Radio Symphony, the Toronto Symphony, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
He also conducted at numerous opera houses.
In his native Finland, he was awarded the prestigious Sibelius Medal in 2005 and was awarded the title of professor by the president in 2014.
Born into a family of musicians, Segerstam said he was comfortable with being a prodigy, in comments quoted by the Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat in March.
He learned to read at the age of three, read sheet music at the age of five, and composed his first piece of music at the age of six.
"I'm almost like the Jesus of music," he said.
"In the world of music I have truths that are just as valuable as the teachings of Jesus."