Kletzki, Paul

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KLETZKI, PAUL

KLETZKI, PAUL (1900–1973), conductor. Born in Lodz, Poland, Kletzki was a violinist in the Lodz Philharmonic Orchestra, took up conducting in Berlin, and in 1931 was invited by Wilhelm Furtwaengler to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Compelled to leave Germany in 1933, he settled in Switzerland. After World War ii, he conducted in various countries, shared the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's 1955 European tour with Paul Paray, and in 1958 was appointed conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Texas. In 1967, Kletzki was appointed conductor of the Suisse Romande Orchestra of Geneva. He excelled in romantic music, but also promoted contemporary works.