Missouri Classical Music News and Notes

Hans Vonk, former music director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, died on Sunday, August 29 at his home in Amsterdam at age 63. The cause of death was a a rare neurological disorder similar in its effects to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Vonk's physical disabilities forced him to step down from his post here in the spring of 2002.

A strong conductor who preferred to do his speaking through his music, Maestro Vonk was particularly noted for his exceptional interpretations of the symphonies of Anton Bruckner and Gustav Mahler.