Oregon Symphony Conductor Bio

Norman Leyden

Oregon Symphony Laureate Associate Conductor

The 2007-2008 season marks Norman Leyden’s third as the Oregon Symphony’s Laureate Associate Conductor. He retired in 2004 after 34 seasons as Music Director of the Symphony’s Pops Series and 29 seasons as Associate Conductor.

A graduate of Yale University in 1938, Leyden later earned masters and doctoral degrees at Columbia University. During World War II he was a member of Glenn Miller’s legendary Air Force Band in England and France. In the post-war years he arranged for many prominent radio, television and recording artists, including Frank Sinatra, Mitch Miller, Tony Bennett and Sarah Vaughan.

In recent months Norman has performed with Pink Martini and guest conducted the Portland Festival Symphony. Norman and his big band will appear at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on October 17 in celebration of his 90th birthday. In November, he will share the stage with Susannah Mars at Artists Repertory Theatre, and in April 2008, Norman will rejoin the Oregon Symphony for three performances of A Sentimental Journey, featuring Susannah Mars, Renee Cleland, Kregg Arntson and Tom Graff.