Longtime LA Master Chorale Director Dies From West Nile Virus Complications
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul Salamunovich, the longtime director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, has died at 86.
The chorale's publicist, Libby Huebner, says the Grammy-nominated conductor died Thursday of complications related to West Nile virus.
From 1991 to 2001, Salamunovich exposed millions to choral music through recordings and live performances.
The New York Times declared the chorus one of America's top vocal ensembles during his final season.
Salamunovich also helped score and sang on numerous films, including "The Godfather" and "A.I. Artificial Intelligence."
He also was choral music director at St. Charles Borromeo Church in North Hollywood for 60 years until his retirement in 2009.
Salamunovich taught music at several colleges, including the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music.
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