Walter Goldschmidt (1917-1986)
As head of operetta at the Opera Graz, Walter Goldschmidt was a particularly versatile artist. He played several instruments and passed the final examination for composition and conducting at the Academy in Vienna with distinction. He began his career as a solo répétiteur at the Opera Graz, then became director of studies and finally first operetta conductor with an opera engagement. In addition, he worked at many festivals, such as in Bregenz and Mörbisch, at the Wiener Festwochen, as well as at festivals in Switzerland, in Monte Carlo and Madrid. Walter Goldschmidt met for the first time in 1967 during a record production with the Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra. He led the big USA-Canada tour in 1973 as well as the Canada tour in 1976. The Operetta Festival in Innsbruck as part of the “Tyrolean Summer” from 1978 - 1979 and his numerous productions for Austrian radio also contributed to the quality and reputation of the orchestra.