Herbert Blomstedt: A Living Legend at 97

The Remarkable Longevity of Herbert Blomstedt

If you’ve been following the news surrounding the U.S. presidential election, you might be led to believe that age is a determinant of capability. However, this notion does not hold true in the realm of classical music, where artists often continue their craft well into their later years. Conductors, in particular, tend to step down only when they personally feel the time is right. Herbert Blomstedt, who recently celebrated his 97th birthday, exemplifies this sentiment; he clearly has no intention of retiring just yet.

As the oldest major conductor actively maintaining a regular performance schedule, Blomstedt experienced a setback after a fall in December. Nevertheless, he bounced back and returned to the stage by spring, making waves this week as he conducted the illustrious Vienna Philharmonic at the Salzburg Festival in Austria. Far from being sidelined due to his age, he stood confidently at the helm of one of the world’s greatest orchestras, participating in an event renowned for its classical music prestige.

While Blomstedt’s longevity and vitality have garnered significant attention, this is merely one facet of what makes him an extraordinary conductor. As critic Alex Ross noted when Blomstedt was 94, equating age with wisdom can be misleading. What he enjoys now is “a belated reward for a resolutely unshowy musician who has diligently pursued his craft decade after decade.”

In interviews, Blomstedt tends not to dwell on the implications of his age. He cherishes his daily routine and even cooks for himself when he is not traveling. As a Seventh-day Adventist, he adheres to a diet free of meat, alcohol, and coffee. However, he often lightheartedly points out that Winston Churchill managed to live to 90 while indulging in cigars and alcohol.

While wisdom may not automatically accompany Blomstedt’s age, it is undeniably evident in his artistry. Perhaps due to physical constraints or personal choices—or a combination of both—his conducting style in recent years has embraced an economy that only comes with extensive experience. This is also reflected in the recordings he continues to produce, collaborating with esteemed ensembles such as the Philharmonic and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Furthermore, Blomstedt, with his strong foundation in musicology, finds joy in revisiting scores. He has humorously noted that it took him 66 years to discover a detail in Schubert’s “Great” Symphony for the very first time.