Rafael Kubelik; Famed Czech Conductor

Rafael Kubelik, 82, the Czech-born conductor who led the Chicago Symphony and orchestras across Europe. The son of legendary Czech violinist Jan Kubelik, the conductor graduated from the Prague Conservatory and conducted the Czech Philharmonic from 1941 until he was driven into exile by the Communist takeover in 1948. He led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1950 to 1953 and then was musical director at London’s Covent Garden opera house. From 1961 to 1979, he headed the Munich orchestra of Bavarian Radio. Kubelik brought the Munich group to Los Angeles in 1975 and on other visits conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic. On Sunday in Lucerne, Switzerland.