Weller, Walter (1939- )

Austrian conductor and violinist. He joined the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in 1956 and founded the Weller Quartet in 1958. He toured with the ensemble in Europe and the USA, and recorded works by Berg and Beethoven. After study with Krips and Szell he became a conductor from 1966; he made his British debut in 1973, with the London Symphony Orchestra. He was principal conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (1977-80) and of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (1980-85). He conducted Prince Igor in Berlin, in 1990. From 1992 he was music director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He gave concerts in Japan and Israel, and conducted at Salzburg and Florence. He was well known in late Romantic repertory.