Pronunciation: [sˈɜːd͡ʒ kˈuːsɪvˌɪtski] (IPA) 
The name Serge Koussevitzky is spelled as follows: /sɛrdʒ kusevitski/. The first name, Serge, is pronounced like "surge" with a soft 'j' sound at the end. The last name, Koussevitzky, is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and a 'k' sound at the beginning, followed by an 'oo' sound like in "goose," then a 'v' and a 'y' sound, and finally an 's' sound followed by a hard 'k' sound at the end.
Serge Koussevitzky (1874-1951) was a Russian-born conductor, composer, and double bassist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He is best known for his tenure as the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) from 1924 to 1949, during which he transformed the ensemble into one of the leading orchestras in the world.
As a conductor, Koussevitzky was known for his intense and passionate interpretation of a wide range of musical repertoire, from the works of Romantic composers such as Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff to contemporary composers like Prokofiev and Stravinsky. He was also a champion of contemporary American music, commissioning and conducting numerous world premieres.
Koussevitzky's enduring legacy lies in his efforts to expand the repertoire and influence of orchestral music. He established the Berkshire Music Center (now known as the Tanglewood Music Center) in 1940, a prestigious summer academy and festival that continues to attract young musicians and audiences to this day. Additionally, under his leadership, the BSO made groundbreaking recordings, including the first complete cycle of the symphonies of Gustav Mahler.
Koussevitzky's profound impact on the music world was recognized with numerous honors and awards, including honorary doctorates, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Order of the British Empire. His commitment to excellence in performance, his cosmopolitan approach to programming, and his dedication to the growth and promotion of new music have left an indelible mark on the history of classical music.
