Emerson Buckley (April 14, 1914 - November 19, 1989)(1) An American Orchestral conductor born in New York City. Buckley graduated from Columbia University in 1934 and made his conducting debut that same year at age 20. His career brought him notoriety throughout the world of opera and concerts.
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Buckley established his musical base in Florida by first conducting the Opera Guild, Inc. from 1950 to 1982, and the Fort Lauderdale Symphony Orchestra from 1963 to 1986, both in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From March 1950 to January 1952 he conducted the music of Elliot Jacoby for the American old-time radio series 2000 Plus.[1]
Buckley was guest conductor with opera companies around the world, notably the New York City Opera and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.[1] In 1958 he conducted the company premiere of Douglas Moore's Ballad of Baby Doe with the New York City Opera Company.[2]
While never an unknown, notoriety came late in life with the ongoing relationship with the late Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti.[1] He conducted many of his concerts throughout the world, on television for PBS, and appeared as himself in Mr. Pavarotti's only movie, Yes! Georgio.[3]
He recorded for Sony, CBS, Decca, and Deutsche Grammophon among others. Mr. Buckley was the recipient of Grammy awards for his participation in the many recorded albums of classical and opera productions.[3]
Buckley married the Canadian-born soprano Margaret Henderson. Two sons have gone onto careers of their own. Richard is a musical director who was based in Ontario, Canada in the 1990s and is now the musical director of the Austin Lyric Opera.[1] Brother Robert is a theatrical producer and general manager in New York City.