A Man of the World

Former President Bill Clinton called Charles Ansbacher “America’s musical ambassador,” and the conductor’s travels around the globe have certainly led to that conclusion.  At the behest of the U.S. State Department and several non-governmental organizations, Ansbacher has conducted in Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Rumania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Israel, Colombia, Ecuador, South Korea, Sarajevo and in Vietnam.

Ansbacher felt extraordinarily gratified in introducing American music to audiences were unfamiliar with America’s classical medium and was thrilled whenever he had the opportunity to travel to countries in political transition. He enjoyed performing for people who were not well exposed to American musicians and sharing musical works with those who often did not have the opportunity to hear classical music.  These performances in diverse countries provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and promoted cross-cultural understanding.  For example, Ansbacher conducted the premiere of the Mandela portrait in South Africa, and while conducting for the Jerusalem Symphony, he had a young Palestinian musician as his soloist. He had also served as a catalyst in bringing orchestras like the Sarajevo Symphony to Italy and soloists from one country to another. While his wife served as U.S Ambassador in Austria, Ansbacher conducted numerous Austrian ensembles, including the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Innsbruck Philharmonic and the Vienna Chamber Opera.