Conductor and Composer James Yannatos Has Died

The beloved former director of the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra served for almost half a century.

James Yannatos

James Yannatos, who served for 45 years as conductor of the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra (HRO), died at age 82 on October 19; an obituary has appeared in the Boston Globe. A much-beloved musician who spent virtually his entire career at Harvard, Yannatos was also a composer.  The native New Yorker’s first instrument was the violin; Leonard Bernstein ’39, D.Mus. ’67, noticed his musicianship and helped direct him to the helm of the HRO, a job he took in 1964.

Yannatos was one of three Harvard conductors profiled in Harvard Magazine in 2002. In that article, he declared a kind of musician's credo: "If something doesn't sing, doesn't breathe, it's not real, not human." He retired in 2009, and was succeeded on the HRO podium by Federico Cortese.

A memorial tribute to Yannatos will be held at 3 p.m. on December 10 in Sanders Theatre.

You might also like

Trump Administration Threatens Harvard’s Accreditation, Subpoenas Student Records

The federal government mounts pressure amid negotiations with Harvard.

Trump Administration Alleges Harvard Violated Student Civil Rights

In a court filing, the University says government has ignored procedure to “inflict pain.”

John Goldberg named Dean of Harvard Law School

A professor at HLS since 2008, he steps up from the interim role.

Most popular

Intellectual Entrepreneurs

Three Harvard Advocate alumni helped found a highbrow literary periodical.

The Downsides of Prozac

Harvard researchers discuss the side effects of Prozac and other SSRIs

Making Money Funny

Matt Levine’s spunky Bloomberg column

Explore More From Current Issue

Salsa Squared

Latin dancing fills the streets in Harvard Square   

A Look at Harvard’s Distinctive Doctoral Regalia

On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.

Harvard Medalists

Four people honored for exceptional service to the University