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Conductor Herbert Blomstedt, 98, Collapses During Mahler Concert

other · 2026-05-19

Herbert Blomstedt, the 98-year-old Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony, fell ill during a performance of Mahler's 9th Symphony on Friday. He had managed the dress rehearsal well but needed to be wheeled onstage for the concert. During the third movement, he slumped to the right, prompting the music to be stopped. The incident was reported by the San Francisco Chronicle via Yahoo!.

Key facts

  • Herbert Blomstedt is 98 years old.
  • He is Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony.
  • The performance was of Mahler's 9th Symphony.
  • The concert took place on a Friday.
  • Blomstedt was wheeled onstage.
  • He slumped to the right during the third movement.
  • The music was stopped during the third movement.
  • The dress rehearsal had gone well.

Entities

Artists

  • Herbert Blomstedt

Institutions

  • San Francisco Symphony

Locations

  • San Francisco
  • United States

Sources