What I can see

Here was the bronze bust of Dimitrios Mitropoulos, a work by Thanasis Apartis. It was removed as a precautionary measure after several incidents of similar works being stolen. A replica from a specific type of resin has been ordered and will be placed in the same position. The original bust will be displayed in a secure area. Its base is thin, made of gray marble and rests on a thin square pedestal. The front side of the base bears the signature of the sculptor, along with Mitropoulos’ name and his dates of birth and death.

What I can't see

Dimitrios Mitropoulos (1896-1960) has been one of the world’s leading conductors. He graduated from the Athens Conservatory, which today honours him with this bust. He started as a composer, assistant conductor in Berlin and conductor in Athens. In 1938, he settled permanently in the USA, where he conducted the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, the New York Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera of New York. Mitropoulos conducted without a baguette and having always memorized all the scores in every detail, which ranks him among the musical geniuses. He died during a dress rehearsal of Mahler’s Third Symphony at La Scala in Milan. He was buried in Athens with great honours. Copies of his bust also exist in Tripoli (Greece) and Epidaurus.

Info

• Address: Courtyard of Athens Conservatory

Bibliography