Milton Katims

Milton Katims (June 24, 1909 – February 27, 2006) was an American violist and conductor. He was music director of the Seattle Symphony for 22 years (1954–76). In that time he added more than 75 works, made recordings, premiered new pieces and led the orchestra on several tours. He expanded the orchestra's series of family and suburban outreach concerts. He is also known for his numerous transcriptions and arrangements for viola.

Career

Katims was born in Brooklyn and his portrait was featured on the cover of the Seattle telephone book. From 1976 to 1985 Katims served as artistic director of the University of Houston School of Music. His influence enabled the school to attract and hire several notable musicians, such as Carlisle Floyd, Elena Nikolaidi, and Abbey Simon, to the faculty.

Later years/death The Pleasure Was Ours, a joint memoir by Katims and his wife Virginia, was published in 2004. He died of heart failure in Shoreline, Washington on February 27, 2006, aged 96.