Armin Jordan facts for kids

Armin Jordan (born April 9, 1932 – died September 20, 2006) was a famous conductor from Switzerland. He was especially known for leading orchestras that played French music. He also loved the music of Mozart and Wagner.

Early Life and Unique Career

Armin Jordan was born in Lucerne, Switzerland. People often described him as a big man with a powerful presence. Despite his strong look, his conducting style was often very careful and subtle.

Unlike many conductors who travel all over the world, Armin Jordan mostly stayed close to his home. He worked mainly in Switzerland and France. After leading several Swiss orchestras, he became the main conductor for the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva in 1985. He held this important job until 1997.

Conducting in the United States

Armin Jordan did not conduct in the United States until 1985. He performed in cities like Seattle and New York City. He was supposed to conduct a big opera by Wagner called Ring in Seattle in 2000 and 2001. However, he had to stop after a few shows in 2000 because he became ill.

For the same reason, he also had to cancel his first performance at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 2001. He was scheduled to conduct Mozart's opera Così fan tutte. Interestingly, his son, Philippe Jordan, who is also a conductor, made his own debut at the Met in 2002.

Later Years and Legacy

Armin Jordan passed away in Zürich on September 20, 2006. This happened five days after he collapsed while conducting an opera. He was leading Prokofiev's opera The Love for Three Oranges at the opera house in Basel when he became unwell.

Armin Jordan left behind his wife, Kate, his son, Philippe, and his daughter, Pascale. He is remembered for his special way of interpreting classical music, especially French works, Mozart, and Wagner.

See also

• [[Il mondo della luna (Antal Doráti recording)|Haydn: Arias (with Edith Mathis)]]