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Progressive & Modern Era

Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977)

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Marker Inscription

Visionary music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra, 1912-1941, who possessed a unique combination of musical genius and charisma. He created the “Philadelphia Sound” and promoted classical music to a wide audience in the Disney film Fantasia and hundreds of recordings.

Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Story

Leopold Stokowski led the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1912 to 1941, transforming it into one of the world's most celebrated ensembles. Charismatic and inventive, he cultivated the lush, distinctive tone known as the "Philadelphia Sound" and worked tirelessly to bring classical music to ordinary audiences. His collaboration on Walt Disney's Fantasia and his many recordings carried symphonic music far beyond the concert hall.

Why it matters

Stokowski helped democratize classical music in America, using film and recordings to reach millions who might never have entered a concert hall.

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