CLEVELAND — Christoph von Dohnanyi, the German conductor who led The Cleveland Orchestra as music director for nearly two decades, has died, the orchestra announced. He was 95.

Dohnanyi died on Saturday, according to the orchestra, two days shy of his 96th birthday. A cause of death was not disclosed.

"Christoph von Dohnányi was a superb conductor and Music Director, respected the world over. His storied family history gave him a unique musical perspective, and The Cleveland Orchestra was fortunate to have him in Cleveland for such a significant part of its history," said André Gremillet, President & CEO of The Cleveland Orchestra.

Dohnányi succeeded Lorin Maazel as music director designate in 1982 and officially took over in September 1984. Over his 18-year tenure, he helped expand

See Full Page