Europe’s African conductor is 96 today
mainHappy birthday wishes to the unforgotten Georges Octors, former music director of the Belgian National Orchestra.
Born in Gamboni in what was then Belgian Congo, Georges studied in Brussels and became assistant to André Cluytens before succeeding him at the national orchestra.
He was seen annually on television for many years, conducting the Reine Elisabeth finals.
Not to be that guy, but “Gamboni”?? Isn’t that an Italian family name??????
That’s a head-scratcher.
I can imagine that being an Anglicization of an African name but there seems to be no such place in the Congo, Belgian or otherwise.
There is a “Gabon” in Africa, but that is a different country from either of the Congos
It’s on Google and is in Wikipedia. I admit it sounds unconvincing. Suspect it’s but a village.
It’s not on Google Maps. The only mention I can find is in the French Wikipedia entry for Octors. This must be where Norman got it from.
He was born in Gamboni, Congo. Not Italian, not Gabon.
https://geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-2837061&fid=1016&c=congo_democratic_republic_of_the
I was fortunate to meet George in August 1984 when I attended an American organised Course for String Teachers and Performers in Brussels. He conducted the String Orchestra
A terrific violinist in his youth, a true ornament of the Franco-Belgian school.
Just found a LP of Georges Octors and Jenny Solheid playing Lekeu and Mozart. Wonderful performers both. Octors is a beautiful violinist!