Goldovsky, Boris (1908–2001)

Russian-born US pianist, conductor, and opera producer. He ran the opera programme at Tanglewood 1942–62 and founded the New England Opera in 1946 and the Goldovsky Opera Institute in 1963, both Boston-based. In 1977 he became head of the opera department at the Curtis Institute. He also became a commentator for the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. He promoted the idea of performing opera in English and demanded that singers be truly able to act their roles.

Goldovsky was born in Moscow, Russia. He studied music in Germany, becoming a solo pianist with the Berlin Philharmonic at the age of 13. In 1930 he moved to the USA in order to perform in concerts and teach, but by the end of the decade he had diverted his talents and energies into producing operas.