Conductor James DePreist Dies

The barrier-breaking orchestra conductor James DePreist died Friday, Feb. 8, (2013), at his Scottsdale home of complications stemming from a heart attack last year. He was 76.

Born in Philadelphia, DePreist served as music director of the Oregon Symphony from 1980 to 2003, elevating a regional orchestra to national status. He also was an in-demand guest conductor and appeared numerous times with the Phoenix Symphony.

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