Donald Johanos

Donald George Johanos (February 10, 1928 – May 29, 2007) was a conductor and music director with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. He was recognized for his support of contemporary classical music. He performed or conducted on at least 16 recordings.

Early life and career Johanos was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1928. He attended the Eastman School of Music, receiving an undergraduate degree in violin, a master's degree in music theory and a performer's certificate in conducting.

After his graduation from Eastman, Johanos played violin for five years in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, where he received coaching in conducting from the music director, Erich Leinsdorf. In 1958, Johanos won the International Conductors Competition run by the Netherlands Radio Union.

Conductor and music director In 1962, Johanos became the music director and principal conductor with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. During this period, he conducted the orchestra in several recordings of music by Copland, Ives, Rachmaninoff and other composers. However, he had problems with the musicians during his stint in Dallas, resulting in his departure in 1970.

Johanos moved to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as associate conductor and director of its chamber orchestra.

Johanos retired to Naples, Florida, where he died in 2007.