Milton Katims

Milton Katims was a remarkable American musician whose career transcended the boundaries of performance, conducting, and broadcasting, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape of mid-20th century America. Though primarily known as a violist and conductor, his contributions to music extended far beyond the orchestral stage, embodying a lifelong commitment to artistic excellence and musical education.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born on June 24, 1909, in Brooklyn, New York, Milton Katims emerged from a family with immigrant roots. His parents, who had arrived from Eastern Europe, provided a foundation that would shape his future musical journey. Initially trained as a violinist, Katims' career took a pivotal turn when a mentor advised him to switch to viola, a decision that would define his professional trajectory. Katims' early musical education was comprehensive, studying at Columbia University and developing his skills under the guidance of prominent musicians. His talent quickly became apparent, and he began collaborating with prestigious chamber music ensembles, including the New York Piano Quartet. His exceptional skills as a violist led to significant collaborations, most notably with the Budapest String Quartet, with whom he made six highly regarded recordings starting in 1941.

Rise in the Musical World

The 1940s marked a significant period in Katims' career. In 1943, he joined the NBC Symphony Orchestra, replacing a well-known violist and quickly establishing himself as a key member. During his decade with the orchestra, he developed a close relationship with conductor Arturo Toscanini, eventually becoming his assistant. Katims' conducting career flourished as he led orchestras in multiple cities, including Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, and London. His most significant leadership role came in 1954 when he became the music director of the Seattle Symphony, a position he would hold for 22 transformative years. During this tenure, he added more than 75 works to the orchestra's repertoire, made numerous recordings, premiered new pieces, and led the orchestra on several tours.

Contributions to Musical Education and Culture

Beyond performance, Katims was a dedicated educator. He conducted viola master classes and taught at prestigious institutions like Juilliard in New York and Northwestern University. His commitment to musical education was further demonstrated during his time as artistic director of the University of Houston School of Music from 1976 to 1985. In Seattle, Katims was more than just a conductor; he was a cultural leader. He organized the Candlelight Musicales concert series and played a crucial role in converting the Civic Auditorium into the Opera House, a venue that would be shared by the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. His contributions were so significant that in 1966, he was named Seattle's 'First Citizen' by the Seattle Real Estate Board.

Legacy and Personal Life

Katims' personal life was as rich as his professional career. He married Virginia Peterson in 1940, and together they were musical partners, often performing chamber music together. In 2004, they published a joint memoir titled The Pleasure Was Ours. Throughout his life, Katims remained committed to music as both an art form and a means of community engagement. He transcribed and edited viola music, performed at various festivals, and continuously sought to expand musical horizons. His influence extended beyond performance, as he helped attract notable musicians to academic faculties and championed musical education. Milton Katims passed away on February 27, 2006, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence, education, and cultural leadership.

Works and Appearances

Radio

• NBC Symphony Orchestra (1943-1953)
• Assistant to Conductor Arturo Toscanini
• First-desk violist

Orchestral Conducting

• Seattle Symphony (1954-1976)
• Music Director
• Added 75+ works to repertoire
• Conducted international tours

Academic Positions

• Juilliard School of Music - Viola Instructor
• Northwestern University - Music Faculty
• University of Washington - Music Faculty
• University of Houston School of Music (1976-1985)
• Artistic Director

Chamber Music Ensembles

• New York Piano Quartet
• Budapest String Quartet (Collaborator, 1941-1956)

Publications

• The Pleasure Was Ours (2004) - Joint memoir with Virginia Katims